Mechanical Energy

Mechanical energy is the energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion or position. It is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in an object or system. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The kinetic energy of an object depends on its mass and its velocity. The formula for calculating kinetic energy is:

KE = 0.5 * m * v^2

Where KE is the kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, and v is the velocity of the object.

Potential Energy

Potential energy is the energy that is stored in an object due to its position or state. There are different forms of potential energy, including gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position above the Earth's surface. The formula for calculating gravitational potential energy is:

GPE = m * g * h

Where GPE is the gravitational potential energy, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object above the reference point.

Elastic Potential Energy

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is compressed or stretched. The formula for calculating elastic potential energy is:

EPE = 0.5 * k * x^2

Where EPE is the elastic potential energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position.

Conservation of Mechanical Energy

According to the law of conservation of energy, mechanical energy is conserved in the absence of non-conservative forces such as friction or air resistance. This means that the total mechanical energy of a system remains constant as long as only conservative forces are acting on it.

Study Guide

1. What is mechanical energy?
2. Explain the difference between kinetic and potential energy.
3. Provide examples of objects with high kinetic energy and high potential energy.
4. Describe the formulas for calculating kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and elastic potential energy.
5. Discuss the principle of conservation of mechanical energy and provide examples.