The 13 types of mathematical

functions (and their

characteristics)
A summary of the classification of the types of
functions used in mathematics.

Francis Castel

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A review of the types of functions that exist. Unsplash.

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Mathematics is one of the most technical and objective scientific disciplines

that exist. It is the main framework from which other branches of science are
able to make measurements and operate with the variables of the elements
they study, in such a way that in addition to a discipline in itself, it represents,
along with logic, one of the bases of scientific knowledge.

However, within mathematics, very diverse processes and properties are

studied, including the relationship between two magnitudes or domains
linked to each other, in which a specific result is obtained thanks to or as a
function of the value of a specific element. It is about the existence of
mathematical functions, which will not always have the same way of affecting
or relating to each other.

This is why we can talk about different types of mathematical functions,

which we are going to discuss throughout this article.

 Related article: "14 Math Puzzles (and Their Solutions)"

Functions in mathematics: what are they?

Before moving on to establish the main types of mathematical functions that
exist, it is useful to make a brief introduction in order to clarify what we are
talking about when we talk about functions.

Mathematical functions are defined as the mathematical expression of the

relationship between two variables or magnitudes. These variables are
symbolized by the last letters of the alphabet, X and Y, and are called domain
and codomain respectively.
This relationship is expressed in such a way that the existence of equality
between both components analyzed is sought, and in general implies that for
each of the values of X there is a single result of Y and vice versa (although
there are classifications of functions that do not meet this requirement).

Likewise, this function allows the creation of a representation in the form of

a graph that in turn allows the prediction of the behavior of one of the
variables based on the other, as well as possible limits of this relationship or
changes in the behavior of said variable.

Just as when we say that something depends on or is a function of something

else (for example, if we consider that our grade in a math exam depends on
the number of hours we study), when we talk about a mathematical function
we are indicating that obtaining a certain value depends on the value of
another thing linked to it.

In fact, the previous example itself is directly expressible in the form of a

mathematical function (although in the real world the relationship is much
more complex since it actually depends on multiple factors and not just on the
number of hours studied).

Main types of mathematical functions

Below we show some of the main types of mathematical functions, classified
into different groups according to their behavior and the type of
relationship established between variables X and Y.

1. Algebraic functions
Algebraic functions are understood to be the set of types of mathematical
functions characterized by establishing a relationship whose components are
either monomials or polynomials, and whose relationship is obtained
through the performance of relatively simple mathematical operations:
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation or root
extraction (use of roots). Within this category we can find numerous
typologies.

1.1. Explicit functions

Explicit functions are understood to be all those types of mathematical

functions whose relationship can be obtained directly, simply by replacing the
domain x with the corresponding value. In other words, it is the function in
which we directly find an equality between the value of y and a
mathematical relationship in which the domain x influences.

1.2. Implicit functions

Unlike the previous functions, in implicit functions the relationship between

domain and codomain is not established directly, making it necessary to
perform various transformations and mathematical operations in order to find
the way in which x and y are related.

1.3. Polynomial functions

Polynomial functions, sometimes understood as synonyms of algebraic

functions and sometimes as a subclass of these, make up the set of types of
mathematical functions in which to obtain the relationship between
domain and codomain it is necessary to perform various operations with
polynomials of different degrees.
 Linear or first degree functions are probably the easiest type of function to
solve and are among the first to be learned. In them there is simply a simple
relationship in which a value of x will generate a value of y, and its graphic
representation is a straight line that must cut the coordinate axis at some
point. The only variation will be the slope of the line and the point where it
cuts the axis, always maintaining the same type of relationship.

Among them we can find the identity functions, in which there is a direct
identification between domain and codomain in such a way that both
values are always the same (y=x), the linear functions (in which we only
observe a variation in the slope, y=mx) and the affine functions (in which we
can find alterations in the point of intersection of the abscissa axis and the
slope, y=mx+a).

Quadratic or second degree functions are those that introduce a polynomial in

which a single variable has non-linear behavior over time (or rather, in relation
to the codomain). From a specific limit the function tends to infinity on one of
the axes. The graphical representation is established as a parabola, and
mathematically it is expressed as y=ax2+bx+c.

Constant functions are those in which a single real number is the

determinant of the relationship between domain and codomain. That is,
there is no real variation depending on the value of both: the codomain will
always be based on a constant, there being no domain variable that can
introduce changes. Simply, y=k.

 You may be interested in: "Dyscalculia: the difficulty when learning mathematics"

1.4. Rational functions

Rational functions are the set of functions in which the value of the function is
established from a quotient between non-zero polynomials. In these functions
the domain will include all numbers except those that cancel the denominator
of the division, which would not allow obtaining a value y.

In this type of functions, limits known as asymptotes appear, which would

precisely be those values in which there would not be a domain or codomain
value (that is, when y or x are equal to 0). Within these limits, graphic
representations tend towards infinity, without ever touching these limits. An
example of this type of function: y= √ ax

1.5. Irrational or radical functions

The set of functions in which a rational function appears introduced within a

radical or root (which does not have to be square, since it is possible that it is
cubic or with another exponent) are called irrational functions.

In order to solve it, we must take into account that the existence of said
root imposes certain restrictions on us, such as the fact that the values of x
will always have to cause the result of the root to be positive and greater than
or equal to zero.

1.6. Piecewise defined functions

These types of functions are those in which the value of y changes the
behavior of the function, resulting in two intervals with very different behavior
based on the value of the domain. There will be a value that will not be part of
this, which will be the value from which the behavior of the function differs.

2. Transcendent functions
Transcendent functions are mathematical representations of relationships
between magnitudes that cannot be obtained through algebraic operations,
and for which it is necessary to carry out a complex calculation process in
order to obtain their relationship. It mainly includes those functions that
require the use of derivatives, integrals, logarithms or that have a type of
growth that increases or decreases continuously.

2.1. Exponential functions

As their name indicates, exponential functions are the set of functions that
establish a relationship between domain and codomain in which a growth
relationship is established at an exponential level, that is, there is increasingly
accelerated growth. The value of x is the exponent, that is, the way in which
the value of the function varies and grows over time. The simplest example:
y=ax

2.2. Logarithmic functions

The logarithm of any number is that exponent which will be necessary to raise
the base used in order to obtain the specific number. Thus, logarithmic
functions are those in which we are using as a domain the number to be
obtained with a specific base. This is the opposite and inverse case of the
exponential function.

The value of x must always be greater than zero and different from 1 (since any
logarithm with base 1 is equal to zero). The growth of the function is
increasingly smaller as the value of x increases. In this case y=log x

2.3. Trigonometric functions

A type of function in which the numerical relationship between the different
elements that make up a triangle or geometric figure is established, and
specifically the relationships that exist between the angles of a figure. Within
these functions we find the calculation of the sine, cosine, tangent, secant,
cotangent and cosecant given a given x value.

Another classification
The set of types of mathematical functions explained above take into account
that for each value of the domain there corresponds a single value of the
codomain (that is, each value of x will cause a specific value of y). However,
and although this fact is often considered basic and fundamental, the truth is
that it is possible to find some types of mathematical functions in which
there may be some divergence in terms of correspondences between x and
y. Specifically, we can find the following types of functions.

1. Injective functions
The name injective functions refers to the type of mathematical relationship
between domain and codomain in which each of the values of the codomain is
linked to only one value of the domain. That is, x can only have a single value
for a given value y, or it may have no value (i.e. a specific value of x may have
no relationship to y).

2. Surjective functions
Surjective functions are those in which each and every one of the elements
or values of the codomain (y) are related to at least one of the domain (x),
 although there may be more. It does not necessarily have to be injective (since
several values of x can be associated with the same y).

3. Bijective functions
This is the name given to the type of function in which both injective and
surjective properties are given. That is, there is a unique value of x for each
y, and all values in the domain correspond to one in the codomain.

4. Non-injective and non-surjective functions

These types of functions indicate that there are multiple values of the domain
for a specific codomain (i.e. different values of x will give us the same y) while
other values of y are not linked to any value of x.

Bibliographic references:

 Eves, H. (1990). Foundations and Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics (3rd

edition). Dover.
 Hazewinkel, M. ed. (2000). Encyclopaedia of Mathematics. Kluwer Academic
Publishers.

Function Examples

Mathematics → Mathematical Analysis → Function

Definition of Function
The concept of a Function (also called Application) is the relationship between two magnitudes in
which the values of the first magnitude correspond to a unique value of the second magnitude.

Mathematically, the functions are expressed as follows:

f: A → B

a → f(a)

where:

f: is the function

A: is the domain of the function or set of values that takes the first magnitude

B: is the codeminium of the function or set of values that the second magnitude takes

a: is a variable value belonging to the set of values of A

f(a): is the image of the function (value of the second magnitude when the first takes the value a)

We can then define a function as:

Let there be two sets A and B, then a function (f) is the relation that associates each element (a) of
A with a single element (b) belonging to B.

We will call a the independent variable and b the dependent variable (on the value of a).

Function Examples:

Area of a Square:

The Area Function of a square relates the side of a square to the value of the area of the square:

Area = side · side = side2

That is to say:

f(side) = side2

where:

The side takes real values > 0 (domain)

The area takes real values > 0 (codomain)

Length of a Circumference:

The length function of a circumference relates the radius of a circumference to its length:

Circumference length = π · radius

Area of a Circle:
The Area Function of a circle relates the radius of a circle to the area of a circle:

Area of Circle = π · radius2

Types of Functions:

Let's look at the different types of functions:

Bounded Function

Affine Function: f(x) = mx + n (where m and n ≠ 0)

Algebraic Function

Bijective Function

Circular Function

Complex Function: f: S → C

Continuous Function

Cosecant Function: f(x) = cosec x

Cosine Function: f(x) = cos x

Constant Function: f(x) = m, where m is constant

Cotangent Function: f(x) = cotg x

Crescent Function

Increasing Function on an Interval

Strictly Increasing Function

Quadratic Function: f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

Cubic Function: f(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d

Decreasing Function

Decreasing Function on an Interval

Strictly Decreasing Function

Discontinuous Function

Elementary Function

Scalar Function: f: Rn → R

Step Function

Special Function
Explicit Function: y = f(x)

Exponential Function: f(x) = ex

Fractional Function

Hyperbolic Function

Homogeneous Function

Identity Function: f(x) = x

Odd Function: f(-x) = -f(x)

Implicit Function: y ≠ f(x)

Interval Function

Inverse Function: f-1(x)

Injective Function

Irrational Function

Linear Function: f(x) = mx

Logarithmic Function: f(x) = loga x

Even Function: f(x) = f(-x)

Integer Function: f(x) = E(x)

Function by Parts

Periodic Function: f(x) = f(x + T)

Polynomial Function: f(x) = anxn + an−1xn−1 + ... + a2x2 + a1x + a0

1st degree Polynomial Function: f(x) = mx + n

Potential Function: f(x) = xa

Primitive Function: F(x)

Rational Function: f(x) = P(x) / Q(x) where P and Q are two polynomials

Radical Function

Real Function: f: R → R

Secant Function: f(x) = sec x

Sine Function: f(x) = sin x

Sign Function

Symmetrical Function
Surjective Function

Tangent Function: f(x) = tg x

Section Function

Transcendent Function

Trigonometric Function

Piecewise Function

Absolute Value Function: f(x) = |P(x)| where P is a polynomial

Vector Function: f: Rn → Rm

...

See Also:

Discontinuity of functions:

Avoidable discontinuity

Inevitable discontinuity

Finite Jump

Infinite Jump

Asymptotic

Study and Representation of Functions

Growth and Decline

Growth Intervals

Decrease Intervals

Monotony of a Function

Critical Points

Maximum

Minimum

Tipping Point

Symmetry

Concavity

Concave Function

Convex Function
Note

Points of Intersection with the Axes

Horizontal axis (x axis)

Vertical Axis (y-axis)

Asymptotes of a Function

Horizontal Asymptotes

Vertical Asymptotes

Oblique Asymptotes

Operations with Functions:

Addition or Sum

Subtraction or Subtraction

Product or Multiplication of Functions

Product of a Function by a Number

Division or Quotient

Composition of Functions

version 4 (05/20/2017)

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Source: https://www.matematicas10.net/2017/04/ejemplos-de-funciones.html

What is a mathematical function.

Types of functions. Solved exercises
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What is a function in mathematics? Can you explain it?
Understanding what a function is will allow you to have more clarity when solving
function exercises and you will be prepared to understand more concepts
surrounding functions such as domain, image, relative extremes, their
representation on the axes...

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In this lesson, we are going to explain what a mathematical function is, so that you
clearly understand the basic concepts without any doubts.
If you have come this far, it is probably because there is some exercise that you do
not know how to solve. If after reading this you want me to help you solve it or clear
up any doubts you may have, you can do two things: either continue searching on
the Internet or contact me and get straight to the point and save yourself time.

What you are going to read is just an example of what I can teach you with my
method for teaching mathematics. I can explain to you step by step any questions
you don't understand:
I WANT TO LEARN MATHEMATICS
You just have to let me guide you and you will see how your
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If you are not clear about what a function is, you also do not understand everything
that surrounds it and that is a good reason for not knowing how to solve function
exercises.
Therefore, the goal of this lesson is that when you have finished reading it, you will
no longer wonder what a function is, you will know how to clearly differentiate them
and you will be ready to learn more concepts surrounding functions.

Table of Contents [Hide]

 1 Definition of mathematical function
 2 Variables and characteristics of functions
 3 Analytical expression of a function. Types of functions.
o 3.1 Polynomial functions
o 3.2 Rational functions
o 3.3 Irrational functions
o 3.4 Trigonometric functions
o 3.5 Exponential functions
o 3.6 Logarithmic functions
 4 Value of a function at a point
 5 Do you need help with math? Do you want me to explain any questions you may have?

Definition of mathematical function

I'll start by giving you an example. Imagine that you want to check the temperature
in your city at 5 pm tomorrow. On the website where you check the weather, you
will find a function similar to this:

From this graph you get information about the temperature at any time of the day.
So, at 5 p.m., the temperature will be 23 ºC. You know this because you look for
the value 17 on the x-axis, go up until it intersects the graph, and look at its value
on the y-axis, which is 23 ºC.

Without realizing it, you are consulting the graph of a function and not only that,
you also know how to interpret it, because you are really obtaining data.

Temperature and time are two variables that are related. This relationship is called a
function and in this case, that function is represented by a red line.
There are many types of functions, but forget about this for now. What I'm
interested in is that you know what a function is.
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Variables and characteristics of functions

In our function, we have two variables related: temperature and time.
As time passes, the temperature can rise or fall, that is, the temperature depends on
the passage of time, which is why it is called a dependent variable. Mathematically,
it is often called yof(x) (function that depends on x) .
On the contrary, time will pass no matter what, without depending on anything or
anyone, which is why it is called an independent variable. Mathematically, it is
usually called x.
The function has a very important characteristic that must be fulfilled and that is
that for each value of x there corresponds a unique value of y. If you notice, in each
hour, there is only one temperature value. At 5 pm I don't have 23 and 18 degrees,
for example. I only have 23 degrees.
If there is any relationship that for a value of x, corresponds to more than one value
of y, that will no longer be a function.
Therefore, in general a function is a relationship between two variables, one independent (x) and
one dependent (y) and for each value of x there corresponds ONE SINGLE VALUE OF y.

And I repeat again that each value of x corresponds to ONE SINGLE VALUE OF y , this
is very important.
Analytical expression of a function. Types of
functions.
The analytical expression of a function is an expression that relates the
independent variable x, with the dependent variable yof(x).

There are several types of functions, depending on where x is placed. Let's look at
each of them:

Polynomial functions
Polynomial functions are those in which x can only appear by adding, subtracting
or multiplying other terms. It can be multiplied by a number or raised to some
exponent.

For example:

Rational functions
In rational functions, in addition to being able to appear in the same operations as
polynomial functions, x also appears in the denominators.
For example:
Irrational functions
Irrational functions are those in which the x appears inside a radical, such as:

Trigonometric functions
The x appears within trigonometric ratios.

For example:

Exponential functions
The x appears as an exponent:

Logarithmic functions
The x appears inside a logarithm:
The representation on the axes of each of these types of functions is different. We
will see this in the following lessons.

Value of a function at a point

When the function is represented on the axes, to obtain the value of f(x) for a value
of x, we only have to draw a vertical line until it intersects the graph and look at the
y value of the intersection point. The value of the function is always looked at on
the y-axis.

In the temperature example, for x=17, the value of the function is 23 ºC.

When we do not have a graph, to find what value the function takes, that is, the
values of yof(x) for a given value of x, the only thing we have to do is substitute x
for its value and then calculate the value of f(x) .
For example:

Find f(x) for x=1 of the following function:

We just have to replace x with 1:

Therefore, the value of the function for x=1 is 2.

Have you understood everything? Do you have a clearer understanding of the

concept of function?

I have told you that for each value of x, there corresponds to ONE SINGLE VALUE
of f(x), but there are times when none corresponds.

What happens when no value of f(x) corresponds to it? I explain that to you in the

Functions I Course.
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10 Examples of Kinetic Energy
in Daily Life
By
Tatiana Mejia Jervis

Some examples of kinetic energy in everyday life can be the movement

of a roller coaster, a ball or a car.

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses when it is in motion

and its speed is constant. It is defined as the effort needed to accelerate a
body with a given mass, making it go from a state of rest to a state of
motion (Classroom, 2016).
 



It is held that as long as the mass and velocity of an object are constant, so
will its acceleration be. In this way, if the speed changes, the value
corresponding to the kinetic energy will also change.

When you want to stop an object that is in motion, it is necessary to apply

negative energy that counteracts the value of the kinetic energy that said
object carries. The magnitude of this negative force must be equal to that
of the kinetic energy for the object to stop (Nardo, 2008).

The coefficient of kinetic energy is often abbreviated with the letters T, K or

E (E- or E+ depending on the direction of the force). Similarly, the term
“kinetics” is derived from the Greek word “κίνησις” or “kinēsis” which
means movement. The term “kinetic energy” was first coined by William
Thomson (Lord Kevin) in 1849.

From the study of kinetic energy comes the study of the movement of
bodies in horizontal and vertical directions (falls and displacement). The
penetration, velocity and impact coefficients have also been analyzed
(Academy, 2017).

Examples of kinetic energy

Kinetic energy, together with potential energy, encompasses most of the
energies listed by physics (nuclear, gravitational, elastic, electromagnetic,
among others).

1- Spherical bodies
When two spherical bodies move at the same speed, but have different
masses, the body with greater mass will develop a greater coefficient of
kinetic energy. This is the case of two marbles of different size and weight.

The application of kinetic energy can also be observed when a ball is thrown
into the hands of a receiver.

The ball goes from a state of rest to a state of motion where it acquires a
coefficient of kinetic energy, which is brought to zero once it is caught by
the receiver (BBC, 2014).

2- Roller coaster




When the cars of a roller coaster are at the top, their coefficient of kinetic
energy is equal to zero, since these cars are at rest.

Once they are attracted by the force of gravity, they begin to move at full
speed during the descent. This implies that the kinetic energy will gradually
increase as the speed increases.

When there are a greater number of passengers inside the roller coaster
car, the coefficient of kinetic energy will be higher, provided that the speed
does not decrease. This is because the car will have a greater mass.

3- Baseball

When an object is at rest, its forces are balanced and the value of kinetic
energy is equal to zero. When a baseball pitcher holds the ball prior to
pitching, the ball is at rest.

However, once the ball is thrown, it gains kinetic energy gradually and in a
short period of time to be able to move from one place to another (from the
pitcher's point to the receiver's hands).

4- Automobiles
 



A car at rest has an energy coefficient equal to zero. Once this vehicle
accelerates, its coefficient of kinetic energy begins to increase, such that,
as there is more speed, there will be more kinetic energy (Softschools,
2017).

5- Cycling

A cyclist standing at the starting point, without making any movement, has
a coefficient of kinetic energy equal to zero. However, once you start
pedaling, this energy increases. Thus, the higher the speed, the greater the
kinetic energy.

Once the moment has come to brake, the cyclist must reduce speed and
exert opposite forces in order to decelerate the bicycle and return to a zero
energy coefficient.
6- Boxing and impact





An example of the force of impact derived from the coefficient of kinetic

energy is evident during a boxing match. Both opponents may have the
same mass, but one of them may be faster in movements.

In this way, the coefficient of kinetic energy will be higher in the one that
has a greater acceleration, guaranteeing a greater impact and power in the
blow (Lucas, 2014).

7- Opening of doors in the Middle Ages

Like the boxer, the principle of kinetic energy was commonly used during
the Middle Ages, when heavy battering rams were used to open castle
doors.

The faster the ram or log was propelled, the greater the impact provided.
8- Falling rock or landslide





Moving a stone up a mountain requires strength and skill, especially when

the stone has a large mass.

However, the descent of the same stone down the slope will be rapid thanks
to the force exerted by gravity on the body. In this way, as the acceleration
increases, the coefficient of kinetic energy will increase.

As long as the mass of the stone is greater and the acceleration is constant,
the coefficient of kinetic energy will be proportionally greater (FAQ, 2016).

9- Fall of a vase

When a vase falls from its place, it goes from being at rest to being in
motion. As gravity exerts its force, the vase begins to gain acceleration and
gradually accumulates kinetic energy within its mass. This energy is
released when the vase hits the ground and breaks.

10- Person on a skateboard





When a person riding a skateboard is at rest, his energy coefficient will be

equal to zero. Once it starts moving, its kinetic energy coefficient will
gradually increase.

Similarly, if the person has a large mass or his skateboard is capable of

going at a higher speed, his kinetic energy will be greater.

References

1. Academy, K. (2017). Retrieved from What is kinetic energy?:

khanacademy.org.
2. BBC, T. (2014). Science. Obtained from Energy on the move:
bbc.co.uk.
3. Classroom, T. P. (2016). Obtained from Kinetic Energy:
physicsclassroom.com.
4. FAQ, T. (March 11, 2016). Teach – FAQ. Retrieved from Examples
of Kinetic Energy: tech-faq.com.
5. Lucas, J. (June 12, 2014). Live Science. Retrieved from What Is
Kinetic Energy?: livescience.com.
6. Nardo, D. (2008). Kinetic Energy: The Energy of Motion.
Minneapolis: Exploring Science.
7. (2017). softschools.com. Obtained from Kinetic Energy:
softschools.com.

KINETIC AND POTENTIAL

ENERGY
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Before going into explaining kinetic and potential energy, we

will start by briefly summarizing what energy is in general.

What is Energy?

Energy is the property or capacity that bodies and substances

have to produce transformations around them. During
transformations, energy is exchanged through two
mechanisms: in the form of work or in the form of heat.

This energy is degraded (converted) and conserved in each

transformation, losing the ability to perform new
transformations, but energy cannot be created or
destroyed, only transformed, so the sum of all energies in
the universe is always constant. An object will lose energy in a
transformation, but that lost energy will go somewhere else,
for example it can be transformed into heat.
 Ultimately, energy is the ability to make changes or
work. An example, if a car moves it is because it has energy,
which is provided by gasoline when we burn it in the engine,
that is why it moves. Gasoline has energy! Energy that we
transform to make the car move.

Explanation of Changes or Energy As

you can see in the example, the energy of the gasoline has
been transformed into movement in the car, it has not been
lost, it has been transformed. Part of that energy will have
been lost in the form of heat and friction between the car and
the asphalt. The total energy calculation = car movement +
heat + friction will be equal to the energy that the gasoline
had. That is why we can say that: "

Energy is neither created nor destroyed, it only

transforms." This is the Principle of Conservation of Energy.

Once the gasoline has lost its energy, it has passed into the
car and into the air in the form of heat. As you can see,
although gasoline no longer has energy, that energy has only
been transformed, not destroyed.

Energy manifests itself in physical changes, for example,

when an object is lifted, transported, deformed, or heated.

Energy is also present in chemical changes, such as when a

piece of wood is burned or when water is decomposed by an
electric current.

In physics, energy is the capacity of a body to produce

work, or also, the force that produces work.

Energy can be present in nature in different forms that

can be transformed into each other: thermal, mechanical,
chemical, electrical, nuclear and electromagnetic energy,
among others.
 For example, wind energy is the energy contained in a
current of air, and is capable of blowing the sail of a boat or
moving the blades of a wind turbine, generating work.

In physics there is a very important type of energy,

mechanical energy, also known as driving or movement
energy and it is the energy that moves everything: cars,
wind, waves or planets...

But this type of energy is the sum of two others: potential

energy and kinetic energy, which are the ones we will study
here.

Em = Ep +

Ec At the end we will see more about this type of energy and
how it is calculated.

How Do We Measure Energy?

The unit in the international system is the Joule, in honor of

James P. Joule.

When we talk about heat energy, we usually use the calorie.

A calorie is the quantity of heat required to raise the
temperature of one gram of water by one degree. 1 Joule =
0.24 calories.

To express multiples of these units, the prefixes Kilo (K) are

used, which is equivalent to 1000 units; Mega (M), which is
equivalent to 1,000,000 units, etc.

Kinetic energy

It is the energy that bodies that are in motion possess. If a

car is stopped and we put it in motion, it means that it has
acquired energy from somewhere and that it has been
transformed into movement. This energy that you have now is
a potential or movement energy.

Bodies acquire kinetic energy when they are accelerated by

the action of forces, or in other words, when work is done on
them.

To calculate the kinetic energy of a body (it will always be in

motion) it will be:

Where "m" is the mass of the body, object or substance

expressed in Kilograms and "v" its speed in meters/second. If
we put the mass and speed in these units the result will give
us the energy in Joules.

Exercise: Calculate the kinetic energy of an 860 kg car

moving at 50 km/h.

First we will pass 50Km/ham/s ===> 13.9m/s. Now it's very

easy, you just have to apply the formula:

Ec = 1/2 860Kg x 13.92m/s = 83,000Joules

Potential energy
 An object is said to have energy when it is in motion, but it
can also have potential energy, which is the energy
associated with the object's position.

Unlike kinetic energy, which was of a single type, there are 3

types of potential energy: gravitational potential, elastic
potential and electrical powers.

Gravitational

Potential Energy is the energy that objects possess by

being located at a certain height. If you place a brick 1
meter high and release it, the brick will fall to the ground, this
means that by raising it 1 meter the brick acquired energy.
This energy is actually due to the fact that all bodies on Earth
are subject to the gravitational force. If we place it 2 meters
away, the brick will have acquired more energy than at 1
meter, that is, it depends on the position of the brick, that is
why it is potential energy.

How do we calculate potential energy? Well, it's very

simple, you just have to apply the following formula:

Where "m" is the mass in Kilograms, "g" the value of gravity

(9.8m/s2) and "h" the height at which it is

located expressed in meters. With these units the result will

be in Joules.

Note that if the body is on the ground (Earth's surface) h=0,

its gravitational potential energy will be 0 Joules.

Another example of this type of energy would be a waterfall.

The water at the top has the possibility of doing work when it
falls, which is why we say that it has energy, more specifically
potential energy.

What happens when water falls? Well, it is gaining speed and

losing height, that is, it is gaining kinetic energy and losing
potential energy. Just when the water reaches the bottom, all
the potential energy it had will have been transformed into
kinetic energy (speed) that can do work by hitting the blades
of the hydraulic power station.

As you see, kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy

are often related:

Exercise: What potential energy does an 800 kg elevator

have at the top of a building, 380 m above the ground?
Suppose the potential energy in the ground is 0.

We have the value of the height and mass of the elevator.

From the definition of gravitational potential energy:

Epg = (800 Kg)*(9.8 m/s^2)*(380 m) = 2,979,200 J = 2.9 MJ

(megaJoules)

To know much more visit the following link: Gravitational

Potential Energy.

If you want to see more solved exercises visit this link:

Potential Energy Exercises.

Elastic

Potential Energy It is the energy that is released when a

spring that was compressed is released. The energy it will
have will depend on the deformation suffered by the spring,
more deformation means more energy. This energy can be
used to do work, for example to propel a ball.

How do we calculate elastic potential energy? We use

the following formula:

Where "K" is an elastic constant characteristic of each spring

measured in N/m (newtons divided by meters) and "x" is the
length acquired by the spring or the displacement or
deformation from the normal position measured in meters
(spring stretch). With these units the result will be in Joules.

Exercise: A force of 540 N stretches a certain spring a

distance of 0.150 m. What potential energy does the spring
have when a mass of 60 Kg hangs vertically from it?
Solution:

To know the elastic potential energy stored in the spring, the

force constant of the spring and its deformation caused by the
weight of the 60 kg mass must be known.

A force of 540 N stretches the spring to 0.150 m. The force

constant is:

k = Fe / x = 540 N / 0.150 m = 3600 N / m.

Then, the deformation x of the spring caused by the weight of

the block is:

x = Fe / k = (m*g) / k

x = ((60 Kg)*(9.8 m/s^2)) / (3600 N/m) = 0.163

m The elastic potential energy stored in the spring is:

Epel = 1/2 * (3600 N/m) * (0.163 m)^2 = 47.82

J Electrical Potential Energy If

we have an object with an electrical potential (voltage)

and it is within an electric field. Specifically, the definition
would be: Electrical potential energy of a charge, at a point in
an electric field, is the work done by the electric field when
the charge moves from that point to infinity.

Look at the following image. We have a charge inside an

electric field. If the electric field is zero, the charge will not
move, now when we connect the battery, the electric field will
be activated and the charge will move, that is, the field has
provided energy to the charge, this is the electric potential
energy.

An object can have electrical potential energy by virtue of

two key elements: its own electrical charge and its position
relative to other electrically charged objects.

An example: a charge will exert a force on any other charge

and potential energy arises from the set of charges. For
example, if we fix a positive charge Q at any point in space,
any other positive charge that is brought to its vicinity will
experience a repulsive force and therefore will have potential
energy.

In the image we also see the formula for Electrical Potential

Energy.

In short, it is the one that is in the battery, or in the plug itself

and that when used is transformed into electrical energy.

In electricity, it is usually more convenient to use the

electrical potential energy per unit of charge, called electrical
potential, voltage or strain.

This formula says that potential energy is positive when the

charges have the same sign (they repel each other) and
negative when they have opposite signs (they attract each
other, and the system is said to be bound).

Exercise: Two charges q1 and q2 of -5mC and -3mC are

separated in vacuum by a distance of 50 cm. The distance is
then 1 m. Knowing that q1 is fixed and q2 is mobile, calculate
the initial and final potential energy of q2.
Mechanical Energy

It is the sum of kinetic and potential. In any system to

calculate mechanical energy we would only have to
calculate them separately and add them together at
the end. Look at the following image.
 When it is stationary it only has gravitational potential
energy. When it begins to descend, as in the image, it
begins to gain speed and therefore kinetic energy and
to lose potential because it loses height. At a point like
the one in the figure, it has already begun to descend,
it will have a kinetic and a potential energy, that is, it
has a mechanical energy, which will be the sum of the
two as we have already seen:

Em = Ep + Ec

kinetics
1. female name
Branch of physics that studies static or moving systems through the use of the
concepts of length, time and mass.

force
female name
1. 1.
Physical ability to perform a job or movement.
"muscle strength; the force of the wind; the strength to lift a stone; the strength to
bear a weight; ants have a lot of strength to bear weights much greater than their
own"
o
2. 2.
Application of this physical capacity to something.
"He lifted the box with force; he started with force and left his escape partner
standing there"
 motion
male name
1. 1.
Action of moving or shifting.
2. 2.
Change of place or position of a body in space.
"The iron wagon was subjected to a horizontal movement back and forth along
some rails"

energy
female name
1. 1.
The capacity of matter to produce work in the form of movement, light, heat, etc.
"atomic or nuclear energy; kinetic energy; hydraulic energy; solar energy; electric
energy; wind energy is one of the renewable energy sources with the greatest
potential for application in the short term"
o
2. 2.
Ability and strength to act physically or mentally.
"Since I started eating healthier, I feel full of energy; save your energy for later"

Work (physics): It is the product of a force applied to a body and the displacement of the
body in the direction of this force. While work is being done on the body, a transfer of
energy occurs to it, so it can be said that work is energy in motion.

repose
In the field of physics, rest is defined as the state that matter adopts when a body lacks
movement. It may be a relative rest (the body that does not move is on another that does
move) or an absolute rest (the body does not move in a space that is also static).

Acceleration
Dimension

Description
In physics, acceleration is a vector derivative magnitude that indicates the variation in speed
per unit of time. In the context of Newtonian vector mechanics it is normally represented by or
and its magnitude by. Its dimensions are. Its unit in the International System is m/s². Wikipedia
 Acceleration
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In physics, acceleration is a vector derivative magnitude that indicates the variation in speed
per unit of time. In the context of Newtonian vector mechanics it is usually represented by or
and its magnitude by . Its dimensions are . Its unit in the International System is m/s2.

In Physics, magnitudes are those properties that can be measured and their result
expressed using a number and a unit. Magnitudes include length, mass, volume, amount
of substance, voltage, etc. The following magnitudes are called fundamental physical
magnitudes.

mass
female name
1. 1.
A consistent, homogeneous and malleable mixture obtained by breaking down
solid, crushed or pulverized substances into liquid substances; especially that used
in the production of pastry products.
"cake dough; mortar dough; binder dough; bread is made by baking a dough of
flour, yeast, salt and water in an oven"
2. 2.
A large group of people, animals or things of the same nature, very close together
and forming a homogeneous and defined body.
"A mass of clouds was approaching on the horizon; a mass of people was moving
through the streets at rush hour; the nervous system of insects is made up of a
large mass of nerve cells located in the dorsal area of the head, the brain"

Mass
Description
In physics, mass is a magnitude that expresses the quantity of matter in a body, measured by
the inertia of the body, which determines the acceleration produced by a force acting on it. It is
an intrinsic property of bodies that determines the measurement of inertial mass and
gravitational mass. Wikipedia

Equilibrium is the state of a body when the sum of all the forces and moments acting on it
counteract each other. It comes from the Latin aequilibrium, which is composed of
“aequus”, which means 'equal', and “libra”, 'balance'. ... In this sense, synonyms for
balance are counterweight, compensation or stability.
Speed in Physics
Speed is a scalar magnitude that determines the relationship between the distance
traveled by a body or object and the time needed to cover said distance. ... Unlike
speed, it is not a vector magnitude, but rather represents precisely the modulus of
speed.

Definition of speed. ... Speed is also a physical vector magnitude that reflects the space
traveled by a body in a unit of time. The meter per second (m/s) is its unit in the
International System. Average speed is the average speed over a time interval.