What is the correct name for the quantity with units of kg m2/sec2?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Get ready for the UCF PSC1121 Physical Science Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Boost your exam readiness with our resources!

The quantity with units of kg m²/s² is called a Joule. This is because a Joule is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of one Newton is applied over a distance of one meter.

To break it down, a Newton is a unit of force defined as kg m/s². Therefore, when you multiply force (in Newtons) by distance (in meters), you end up with kg m/s² multiplied by m, which gives you kg m²/s². This is the definition of energy or work done in physics, which is expressed in Joules.

While the other options (such as Newton, Pascal, and Watt) refer to different physical quantities—Newton being a measure of force, Pascal a measure of pressure, and Watt a measure of power—they do not represent the same concept as the Joule. Power relates to the rate at which work is done, and pressure relates to force applied over an area; neither directly corresponds to the unit of kg m²/s², which specifically denotes energy or work.