1. What is Mechanical Energy?

Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a system. It represents the total energy of an object due to its motion and position.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the mechanical energy equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Total mechanical energy (joules)
• \( KE \) — Kinetic energy (joules)
• \( PE \) — Potential energy (joules)

Explanation: The equation simply adds the kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy due to position) to get the total mechanical energy.

3. Importance of Mechanical Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating mechanical energy is fundamental in physics for understanding energy conservation in systems, analyzing motion, and solving problems in mechanics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both kinetic and potential energy values in joules. Both values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units for mechanical energy?
A: The standard unit is joules (J) in the SI system.

Q2: Can mechanical energy be negative?
A: No, since both kinetic and potential energy are always non-negative in classical mechanics.

Q3: What's the difference between KE and PE?
A: Kinetic energy is energy of motion (\( \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \)), while potential energy is stored energy due to position (like gravitational PE = mgh).

Q4: Is mechanical energy always conserved?
A: In ideal systems without friction or air resistance, yes. In real systems, some energy may be converted to other forms like heat.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for rotational systems?
A: Yes, as long as you input the total kinetic energy (including rotational KE) and potential energy.