Final answer:
Another way of defining energy is as 'force exerted over a distance,' which is the basis of mechanical work and expressed mathematically as work done (W) equals force (F) multiplied by displacement (Ax). Therefore, the correct answer is a) Force exerted over a distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. One alternative definition of energy, which aligns with one of the options provided, is force exerted over a distance. This concept forms the foundation of mechanical work, which is the energy required to move an object some distance d when it is opposed by a force F.
Therefore, the correct answer is a) Force exerted over a distance. This notion encapsulates various activities, such as lifting a weight or pushing an object against resistance, actions that consume energy and result in work done.
Remember, work (W) is defined as the product of force (F) and the displacement (Ax): W = F x Ax.
One type of work (w) is the process of causing matter to move against an opposing force. For example, we do work when we inflate a bicycle tire we move matter (the air in the pump) against the opposing force of the air surrounding the tire.