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3.1 Translational Kinetic Energy

Part of Work, Energy, and Power in AP® Physics C: Mechanics. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

Energy

In physics, energy describes the ability of a system to do work or cause change. It’s not a tangible object but a property that quantifies how systems can interact or transform. Energy exists in multiple forms—kinetic, potential, chemical, nuclear, and more—but all share one fundamental principle: the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred.

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