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Total Mechanical Energy Formula:
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Total mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a system. It represents the total energy available for doing mechanical work in a conservative system where energy is conserved.
The calculator uses the mechanical energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the total mechanical energy by simply adding the kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy) of a system.
Details: Calculating total mechanical energy is essential in physics and engineering for analyzing mechanical systems, understanding energy conservation, and solving problems related to motion and forces.
Tips: Enter both kinetic energy and potential energy values in joules. Both values must be non-negative numbers. The calculator will sum them to give the total mechanical energy.
Q1: What is the unit of mechanical energy?
A: Mechanical energy is measured in joules (J) in the International System of Units.
Q2: Is mechanical energy conserved?
A: In conservative systems where only conservative forces act, mechanical energy is conserved. In non-conservative systems, mechanical energy may be converted to other forms.
Q3: Can mechanical energy be negative?
A: While individual components (KE and PE) can be negative in certain reference frames, total mechanical energy is typically positive in most physical systems.
Q4: What are examples of kinetic and potential energy?
A: Kinetic energy includes moving objects, while potential energy includes gravitational, elastic, and chemical stored energy.
Q5: How is this different from total energy?
A: Total mechanical energy only includes kinetic and potential energy, while total energy includes all forms of energy (thermal, chemical, nuclear, etc.).