Relationships between force, energy and mass

The interconnectedness of force, energy and mass can be practically observed through the impulse in collisions; work done in systems; and through the transformation and dissipation of energy as objects interact. These fundamental concepts are deeply interconnected and must be understood collectively.  These interactions of force, energy and mass in are demonstrated in real-world designs such as crumple zones that reduce forces during collisions, efficient machinery that minimise energy loss through friction, and vehicles built with lightweight materials to reduce fuel consumption.

This resource revises the relationship between force, energy and mass and within the topic there are three key concepts:

• impulse in collisions
• work done by a force
• conservation of energy

To determine if this resource will benefit you, start by answering the following questions.

• How is energy transferred when two objects collide?
• What energy is required when moving an object over a distance?
• How does energy transform through different scenarios?

The answers to these questions are provided on the following pages. Use this resource to refresh your memory, reinforce your understanding of these concepts, and prepare more effectively for university-level learning.

Next