1. What is Mechanical Energy?

Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a system. It represents the total energy of an object due to its motion and position.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the mechanical energy formula:

Where:

• \( ME \) — Mechanical energy (joules)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (m/s)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
• \( h \) — Height above reference point (m)

Explanation: The first term represents kinetic energy (energy of motion), while the second term represents gravitational potential energy (energy due to position).

3. Importance of Mechanical Energy Calculation

Details: Mechanical energy calculations are fundamental in physics for analyzing conservation of energy, solving problems in mechanics, and understanding energy transformations in physical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, velocity in meters per second, gravity in m/s² (default is 9.81 m/s² for Earth), and height in meters. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the principle of conservation of mechanical energy?
A: In a closed system with only conservative forces, the total mechanical energy remains constant.

Q2: When is mechanical energy not conserved?
A: Mechanical energy is not conserved when non-conservative forces (like friction or air resistance) are present and cause energy dissipation.

Q3: What are typical units for mechanical energy?
A: Mechanical energy is measured in joules (J) in the SI system.

Q4: Can mechanical energy be negative?
A: While kinetic energy is always positive, potential energy can be negative depending on the reference point chosen.

Q5: How does mechanical energy relate to work?
A: The work done by non-conservative forces equals the change in mechanical energy of a system.