Question
define Mechanical energy
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a mechanical system. It represents the energy associated with the motion and position of an object.
1. **Kinetic Energy (KE)**: This is the energy of an object due to its motion. It is calculated using the formula:
\[
KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2
\]
where \(m\) is the mass of the object and \(v\) is its velocity.
2. **Potential Energy (PE)**: This is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. For example, gravitational potential energy can be calculated using the formula:
\[
PE = mgh
\]
where \(m\) is the mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is the height above a reference point.
The total mechanical energy (E) of a system can be expressed as:
\[
E = KE + PE
\]
In an ideal system with no non-conservative forces (like friction), mechanical energy is conserved, meaning it remains constant over time. In real-world applications, however, some mechanical energy may be converted to other forms of energy, such as thermal energy due to friction.
1. **Kinetic Energy (KE)**: This is the energy of an object due to its motion. It is calculated using the formula:
\[
KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2
\]
where \(m\) is the mass of the object and \(v\) is its velocity.
2. **Potential Energy (PE)**: This is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. For example, gravitational potential energy can be calculated using the formula:
\[
PE = mgh
\]
where \(m\) is the mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is the height above a reference point.
The total mechanical energy (E) of a system can be expressed as:
\[
E = KE + PE
\]
In an ideal system with no non-conservative forces (like friction), mechanical energy is conserved, meaning it remains constant over time. In real-world applications, however, some mechanical energy may be converted to other forms of energy, such as thermal energy due to friction.