Chapter 3, Problem 1EA

Distinguish between what a physicist and a politician might each mean when using the term energy conservation.

To determine

The differences in the meaning of the term “energy conservation” as used by a physicist and a politician.

Answer to Problem 1EA

The term “energy conservation” according to physicist is that the total energy always remains constant, while a politician would use the term to mean “saving energy”

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A physicist and a politician use the term “energy conservation” in different ways.

The term “Energy conservation” in physics relates to the principle of conservation of energy, which states that the total energy of the universe is a constant. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. The existing energy can be transformed from one form to another. In the process of transformation, energy is also converted into less useful forms such as thermal energy. However, in Physics, the energy content of all forms of energy, useful or otherwise are added to prove that energy remains constant.

A politician, on the other hand, would mean energy conservation in terms of useful energy and would stress on less wastage of energy. The less useful forms of energy are considered to be lost and hence he would emphasize on retaining more of the useful energy when he uses the term “conservation of energy”.

Conclusion:

Thus, the term “energy conservation” according to physicist is that the total energy always remains constant, while a politician would use the term to mean “saving energy”