Key Ideas About Conservation of Mechanical Energy in Motion
What It Means: The conservation of mechanical energy means that in a separate system, the total amount of mechanical energy stays the same. This includes both kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy).
Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy can be calculated using the formula:
KE = ½ x mass x speed²
Here, mass is how much stuff there is, and speed is how fast it's moving.
Potential Energy: For things affected by gravity, potential energy can be found with this formula:
PE = mass x gravity x height
In this case, height is how high something is above a chosen starting point.
Changing Forms of Energy: Energy can shift between kinetic and potential forms. But the total energy, which is kinetic plus potential, stays constant.
How Efficient Is It?: In a closed system, about 70% of energy changes are efficient. This means most of the energy is kept safe and doesn’t get wasted during movement.
Key Ideas About Conservation of Mechanical Energy in Motion
What It Means: The conservation of mechanical energy means that in a separate system, the total amount of mechanical energy stays the same. This includes both kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy).
Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy can be calculated using the formula:
KE = ½ x mass x speed²
Here, mass is how much stuff there is, and speed is how fast it's moving.
Potential Energy: For things affected by gravity, potential energy can be found with this formula:
PE = mass x gravity x height
In this case, height is how high something is above a chosen starting point.
Changing Forms of Energy: Energy can shift between kinetic and potential forms. But the total energy, which is kinetic plus potential, stays constant.
How Efficient Is It?: In a closed system, about 70% of energy changes are efficient. This means most of the energy is kept safe and doesn’t get wasted during movement.