Mechanical Energy Flashcards
1
Q
Gravitational potential energy (Ep)
A
Energy an object possesses due to its position relative to a reference point- Ep=mgh
2
Q
Kinetic energy (Ek)
A
Energy an object has as a result of the objects motion- Ek=1/2mv^2
3
Q
Mechanical Energy
A
The sum of gravitational potential and kinetic energy at a point- Emech=Ep+Ek
4
Q
The law of conservation of energy
A
The total energy in a system cannot be created nor destroyed; only transferred from one form to another
5
Q
The principle of conservation of mechanical energy
A
In the absence of air resistance or any external forces, the mechanical energy of an object is constant
