Mechanical energy is the total energy that comes from two parts: kinetic energy (which is energy from motion) and potential energy (which is stored energy based on an object's position). In closed systems, where no outside forces are working, the energy stays the same. However, several important factors can affect this idea of conservation.
Friction: This is a big factor that can change mechanical energy into heat energy. For example, when a block slides down a ramp, some of its mechanical energy is lost to heat because of friction between the block and the ramp.
Air Resistance: Like friction, air resistance works against motion. When a skydiver jumps out of a plane, they feel this force pushing against them. It takes away some of their mechanical energy by turning it into heat energy.
Internal Forces: In things like springs or stretchy materials, forces inside the system can change how mechanical energy is spread out. For instance, when you squeeze a spring and then let it go, it turns potential energy into kinetic energy, which makes the object move.
External Work Done: If an outside force is used, it can add energy to the system or take energy away. For example, if you push a car up a hill, you are adding energy, which increases its potential energy.
Learning about these factors helps students understand why mechanical energy doesn't always stay the same in real life, even if it does in simple closed systems!
Mechanical energy is the total energy that comes from two parts: kinetic energy (which is energy from motion) and potential energy (which is stored energy based on an object's position). In closed systems, where no outside forces are working, the energy stays the same. However, several important factors can affect this idea of conservation.
Friction: This is a big factor that can change mechanical energy into heat energy. For example, when a block slides down a ramp, some of its mechanical energy is lost to heat because of friction between the block and the ramp.
Air Resistance: Like friction, air resistance works against motion. When a skydiver jumps out of a plane, they feel this force pushing against them. It takes away some of their mechanical energy by turning it into heat energy.
Internal Forces: In things like springs or stretchy materials, forces inside the system can change how mechanical energy is spread out. For instance, when you squeeze a spring and then let it go, it turns potential energy into kinetic energy, which makes the object move.
External Work Done: If an outside force is used, it can add energy to the system or take energy away. For example, if you push a car up a hill, you are adding energy, which increases its potential energy.
Learning about these factors helps students understand why mechanical energy doesn't always stay the same in real life, even if it does in simple closed systems!