Final answer:
Energy in physics is defined as the capacity to do work, which involves transferring energy through force applied over a distance. The work-energy theorem ties the concept of work to changes in an object's kinetic energy, underscoring the importance of understanding energy forms like kinetic and potential energy in mechanical systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scientific definition of energy in the context of physics is the capacity to do work. Work is a measure of energy transfer and is calculated as the product of force and distance, specifically when the force is used to move an object. The work-energy theorem establishes the relationship between the work done on an object by an external force and the change in the object's kinetic energy. This concept is fundamental to understanding how energy and work are interrelated in physical interactions.
Energy is a conserved quantity and can take many forms, such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical energy. The idea of energy being the capacity to do work encompasses all of these forms to some extent. However, in mechanical contexts, we often think of energy in terms of kinetic energy and potential energy, which are the two main forms of mechanical energy.