Conservation of Energy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the conservation of energy, types of energy, and their principles in physics.

Kinetic Energy (K)

The energy that a particle possesses due to its motion, calculated as K = 1/2 mv².

Potential Energy (U)

The energy held by an object because of its position relative to other objects, often in a gravitational or elastic context.

Mechanical Energy (E_mech)

The sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system, E_mech = K + U.

Isolated System

A physical system that does not exchange energy or matter with its surroundings.

Conservative Force

A force that does not change the total mechanical energy of a system; for example, gravitational and elastic forces.

Total Energy (E)

A constant value representing the sum of all forms of energy in an isolated system.

Change in Potential Energy (∆U)

The difference in potential energy between two positions, given by ∆U = Uf - Ui.

Friction

A force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact, often resulting in energy loss.

Gravitational Potential Energy (U_g)

Potential energy associated with an object's height above the ground, calculated as U_g = mgy.

Energy Transfer

The process of energy moving from one system to another; energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Equilibrium Position

The position of an object where the net force is zero and potential energy is minimized.

Ideal Spring

A spring that follows Hooke's Law perfectly, with potential energy represented as U_s = 1/2 kx².

Total Mechanical Energy Conservation

The principle stating that the total mechanical energy of an isolated system remains constant over time.

On-Shell Conservation

The concept that conservation of energy applies throughout the motion of a system, as described by the equations of motion.

Energy Cannot be Created or Destroyed

A fundamental principle of physics stating that energy is neither made nor lost but transformed.