Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system. Emech=K+U. Mechanical energy is conserved so long as we ignore air resistance, friction, etc. When we don't ignore outside forces, such as those just mentioned, mechanical energy is not conserved. read more
Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system. E_(mech)=K+U Mechanical energy is conserved so long as we ignore air resistance, friction, etc. When we don't ignore outside forces, such as those just mentioned, mechanical energy is not conserved. read more
The total mechanical energy is said to be conserved. In this part of Lesson 2, we will further explore the quantitative relationship between work and mechanical energy in situations in which there are no external forces doing work. read more
Another way of rattling off the principle of conservation of mechanical energy is that at Point 1 and Point 2, PE 1 + KE 1 = PE 2 + KE 2. You can simplify that mouthful to the following: ME 1 = ME 2. where ME is the total mechanical energy at any one point. read more