Define Mechanical Energy.
Answer – Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy associated with the motion and position of an object.
Explanation:
Mechanical energy is a form of energy that results from the physical movement or position of an object in a system. The energy is constant in a system that has only gravitational forces or in an idealized system (lack of friction or air resistance). Here are some examples:
- A swinging pendulum: The pendulum has kinetic energy when it’s moving and potential energy when it’s at the top of its swing. As it moves, energy is continuously passing back and forth between kinetic and potential energy, maintaining a constant total mechanical energy.
- A compressed spring: The spring has potential energy when it’s compressed. When it’s released, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the spring to expand.
