Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion or position. It is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a system.
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion. The formula for kinetic energy is:
KE = 0.5 * m * v2
where KE is the kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, and v is its velocity.
Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. The two main types of potential energy are gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.
Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is given by the formula:
GPE = m * g * h
where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above a reference point.
Elastic potential energy (EPE) is given by the formula:
EPE = 0.5 * k * x2
where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
In the absence of non-conservative forces such as friction or air resistance, the total mechanical energy of a system remains constant. This is known as the conservation of mechanical energy.
The equation for conservation of mechanical energy is:
KEi + PEi = KEf + PEf
where KEi and PEi are the initial kinetic and potential energies, and KEf and PEf are the final kinetic and potential energies, respectively.
Applications of Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is essential in various real-world applications such as roller coasters, pendulums, and springs. Understanding mechanical energy allows engineers to design efficient and safe systems.
Study Guide
- Understand the concepts of kinetic and potential energy.
- Learn the formulas for calculating kinetic and potential energy.
- Practice solving problems involving conservation of mechanical energy.
- Explore real-world examples of mechanical energy and its applications.
◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Laws of Motion - Set I
Worksheet/Answer key
Worksheet/Answer key
Worksheet/Answer key