Total mechanical energy of a system

In summary, the total mechanical energy of a system is not equally divided between kinetic energy and potential energy. While kinetic and potential energy can change into each other, the ratio between the two is constantly changing and they are not always present in equal amounts.
  • #1
erinbrattin
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is it true that the total mechanical energy of a system is equally divided between kinetic energy and potential energy?
 
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  • #2
That is the definition, yes, but you should definitely realize that there are many more forms of energy in real life, but they just get messy and complicated if you try to introduce them into simple problems.
 
  • #3
I don't see how that could be. The reason we keep track of potential energy is because it can change into kinetic energy, and vice versa. The ratio of kinetic to potential energy is constantly changing.
 
  • #4
erinbrattin said:
is it true that the total mechanical energy of a system is equally divided between kinetic energy and potential energy?
EQUALLY being the key word here...The answer is no. Think about it. An object can have potential but no kinetic energy and vice versa. You my possibly be meaning that KE and PE are combined to make the entire energy in the system...but it is not split evenly between the two.
 
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1. What is total mechanical energy?

Total mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy of a system. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or configuration.

2. How is total mechanical energy calculated?

Total mechanical energy is calculated by adding the kinetic energy and potential energy of a system. The equation is: Total mechanical energy = Kinetic energy + Potential energy.

3. What is the significance of total mechanical energy?

Total mechanical energy is a conserved quantity, meaning it remains constant in a closed system where no external forces are acting. This concept is important in understanding the behavior of systems in motion and can be used to predict the outcomes of various physical processes.

4. Can the total mechanical energy of a system change?

Yes, the total mechanical energy of a system can change if there are external forces acting on the system. For example, if a force is applied to an object, it will change the object's kinetic and potential energy, thus changing the total mechanical energy of the system.

5. How is the total mechanical energy of a system related to work and energy?

The total mechanical energy of a system is related to work and energy through the work-energy theorem, which states that the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. This means that the work done on an object will either increase or decrease its kinetic energy, thus affecting the total mechanical energy of the system.

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