Mechanical Energy

Front

What is mechanical energy?

Back

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system.

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What is potential energy?

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Potential energy is stored energy due to an object's position or state, often related to height above the ground.

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What is kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

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How does potential energy convert to kinetic energy?

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Potential energy converts to kinetic energy when an object falls or moves downward, as its height decreases.

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What factors affect potential energy?

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Potential energy depends on the object's mass, height above the ground, and the gravitational force acting on it.

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What factors affect kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy depends on the object's mass and its velocity; increasing either will increase kinetic energy.

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What is the law of conservation of energy?

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The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

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What is the formula for mechanical energy?

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Mechanical energy (ME) = Potential Energy (PE) + Kinetic Energy (KE).

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What happens to mechanical energy in a frictionless system?

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In a frictionless system, mechanical energy remains constant as potential and kinetic energy transform into each other.

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What is gravitational potential energy?

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Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy held by an object because of its height in a gravitational field, calculated as PE = mgh.