What is the term used to describe the capacity of a system to do work?

The term that describes the capacity of a system to do work is energy. Energy is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering, representing the ability to perform work or produce change in a system. It can manifest in various forms, such as kinetic, potential, thermal, or chemical energy, and is measured in joules (J).

In the context of engineering, understanding energy is crucial because it helps engineers design systems that efficiently harness and transform energy for practical applications. This foundational concept links closely with work, where work is defined as the energy transferred when a force is applied over a distance.

While power, force, and work are all related to energy, they have distinct definitions. Power refers to the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, while force is an interaction that causes an object to accelerate. Work is the actual measure of energy transfer that occurs when a force is applied during a distance. By focusing on energy as the capacity to do work, one can appreciate its central role in mechanics and system functions.