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Total Mechanical Energy Equation:
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Total mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a system. It represents the total energy available for doing mechanical work in a conservative system where energy is conserved.
The calculator uses the mechanical energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation states that the total mechanical energy of a system equals the sum of its kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy due to position).
Details: Calculating total mechanical energy is essential in physics and engineering for analyzing mechanical systems, understanding energy conservation, solving problems involving motion and position, and designing efficient mechanical systems.
Tips: Enter kinetic energy and potential energy values in joules. Both values must be non-negative. The calculator will sum them to give the total mechanical energy.
Q1: What is kinetic energy?
A: Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on the object's mass and velocity.
Q2: What is potential energy?
A: Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, or other factors.
Q3: Is mechanical energy conserved?
A: In conservative systems where only conservative forces act, total mechanical energy is conserved. In non-conservative systems, mechanical energy may be converted to other forms.
Q4: What are common types of potential energy?
A: Common types include gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy (springs), and electric potential energy.
Q5: Can mechanical energy be negative?
A: While individual components can be negative in certain reference systems, total mechanical energy is typically positive in most physical systems.