Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Mechanical Energy

• Energy acquired by objects upon which work is done

• Ability to do work

• Types of Mechanical Energy:

  • Potential Energy

    • Energy possessed by objects at rest

    • Types of Potential Energy:

      • Gravitational Potential Energy

        • Energy possessed by an object because of its location or position

      • Elastic Potential Energy

        • Energy stored in a stretched or compressed elastic material such as spring

    • Kinetic Energy

      • Energy possessed by an object by virtue of its motion

• The sum of potential and kinetic energy is the total mechanical energy

• Formulas:

  • Potential Energy

    • PE=mgh

    • g = 9.8 m/s

  • Kinetic Energy

    • KE=\frac12mV^2

  • Mechanical Energy

    • ME=PE+KE

      ME=mgh+\frac12mV^2

1. The Total PE is at its maximum due to its height or position. As the pendulum starts to move, the PE decreases while KE increases because of the change in position.

2. Half of the PE is lost and becomes KE. Then, PE is equal to KE.

3. The height of the pendulum is at its minimum, where PE is also at the minimum, while KE is at the maximum.

4. The reverse of #2 will happen.

5. The Total PE is at its maximum due to its height or position. As the pendulum starts to move, the PE decreases while KE increases because of the change in position.