Mechanical Energy
Definition
Mechanical energy refers to the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system. It represents the ability of an object or system to do work.
Analogy
Think of mechanical energy as a piggy bank. The potential energy is like the money you have saved up, while the kinetic energy is like the money you spend. The total amount of money in the piggy bank represents the mechanical energy.
Related terms
Potential Energy: Potential energy is stored energy that an object possesses due to its position or condition.
Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
Conservation of Energy: Conservation of energy states that within a closed system, mechanical energy remains constant, meaning it can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
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