Energy conservation is a key idea in mechanical systems. It means that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change from one form to another.
To put it simply, we can say:
Initial Energy = Final Energy
Kinetic Energy (KE): This is the energy of moving objects. We can find it using this formula:
KE = 1/2 × mass × speed²
Here, "mass" is how much something weighs, and "speed" is how fast it is moving.
Potential Energy (PE): This is the energy stored in an object because of where it is. For example, when something is higher up, it has gravitational potential energy. We can calculate it like this:
PE = mass × height × gravity
In this case, "height" is how high the object is, and "gravity" is usually around 9.81 m/s² (that’s how fast things fall to the ground).
Example with a Pendulum: Think about a simple pendulum. When it’s at its highest point, it has the most potential energy. When it swings down to the bottom, it has the most kinetic energy.
Efficiency of Systems: Most mechanical systems work at about 70% efficiency. This means that 30% of the energy is wasted as heat and sound.
Energy Changes in Roller Coasters: On roller coasters, energy moves from potential to kinetic. When the coaster drops, it can go as fast as 95 km/h (59 mph) at the bottom!
Understanding how energy changes helps engineers create better mechanical systems. This way, they can make machines that work better and save energy.
Energy conservation is a key idea in mechanical systems. It means that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change from one form to another.
To put it simply, we can say:
Initial Energy = Final Energy
Kinetic Energy (KE): This is the energy of moving objects. We can find it using this formula:
KE = 1/2 × mass × speed²
Here, "mass" is how much something weighs, and "speed" is how fast it is moving.
Potential Energy (PE): This is the energy stored in an object because of where it is. For example, when something is higher up, it has gravitational potential energy. We can calculate it like this:
PE = mass × height × gravity
In this case, "height" is how high the object is, and "gravity" is usually around 9.81 m/s² (that’s how fast things fall to the ground).
Example with a Pendulum: Think about a simple pendulum. When it’s at its highest point, it has the most potential energy. When it swings down to the bottom, it has the most kinetic energy.
Efficiency of Systems: Most mechanical systems work at about 70% efficiency. This means that 30% of the energy is wasted as heat and sound.
Energy Changes in Roller Coasters: On roller coasters, energy moves from potential to kinetic. When the coaster drops, it can go as fast as 95 km/h (59 mph) at the bottom!
Understanding how energy changes helps engineers create better mechanical systems. This way, they can make machines that work better and save energy.