Conservation of Energy

What are the components of a conservation of energy …

System: A collection of interacting objects, chosen by the observer

Frame Work: The boundaries of a system

External Force: A force excerted by an object that is outside of the system

A closed, or isolated system: One that cannot interact with its environment through either heat or work

Define the law of conservation of energy …

The total energy of a closed, isolated system remains unchanged

What does the law of conservation of energy say ?

Since energy may only be transfered through heat or work, and energy cannot be created nor destroyed, the total energy remains constant.

Define the Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy …

Whenever there is no friction present within a closed system of objects, the total mechanical energy of that system remains unchanged.

What does the Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy Allow us to do ?

Allows us to predict the future of moving objects

What is the logic of the Law of Conservation of Energy ?

If friction is present, the work it does transforms some of the energy into heat, reducing the systems total mechanical energy.

What is known about real life when considering the Law of Conservation on Mechanical Energy ?

There is always some friction present in any system, so we look for low friction systems and we apply the law of conservation of mechanical energy with a higher degree of accuracy.

What are some examples of low friction systems seen in class …

Pendulum, Cliff Diver, spring-mass system, planetary orbit, perpetual motion machine, Airtrack glider, bouncing ball.