Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Law of Conservation of Energy

Mr. Schrader - 03/30/22

Law of Conservation of Energy

What is it?

Energy is defined as the ability to do work.

​When we ride a bicycle, that is considered doing work.

When we go for a walk, that is considered doing work.

Eating throughout the day is considered doing work. ​

Any action that uses force is considered work. ​

Writing down these notes is hard work!

Law of Conservation of Energy

What is it?

There are two types for energy: Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy.

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Potential Energy is stored energy.

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Kinetic Energy is ​released energy.

These two branch off into many different categories!

What are two examples of Kinetic and Potential Energy from yesterday's lesson?

Hint: Look at your questions about the Bicyclist and the Geyser!

Law of Conservation of Energy

Where does it go?

Energy does not simply disappear when released. It transfers forms ​into a new energy!

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When we hit a baseball with a bat, we transfer mechanical energy from the bat onto the ball, making it fly over the fence!

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Energy is not created or destroyed, it changes forms!

Law of Conservation of Energy

Where does it go?

Energy not only transfers to another object, but it can also transform!

​The Sun emits radiant energy, that transforms to thermal energy when it touches the Earth's surface!

​When the Sun's radiant energy reaches plants on Earth, it transforms into chemical energy using photosynthesis!

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Law of Conservation of Energy

What is the Law?

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that, in an isolated system, energy is not created or destroyed. Instead, energy only transfers from one place to another or transforms from one form into another.

This is just like our lesson on Chemical Equations!

​When there is an isolated system, energy will never disappear. You will always have the same amount in that system.

When I bounce a basketball, what happens?​

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What Does This Mean?