The conservation of mechanical energy refers to the principle that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant. This means that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transferred or converted from one form to another.
In the case of a ball of mass, the total mechanical energy is the sum of its kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (energy due to its position or state). As the ball moves, its kinetic energy may change, but its potential energy will also change in an opposite manner to keep the total mechanical energy constant.
The conservation of mechanical energy in a ball of mass is affected by factors such as the mass of the ball, its velocity, and the height at which it is located. Other factors include forces acting on the ball, such as friction or air resistance, which can cause a loss of mechanical energy.
Under ideal conditions, the conservation of mechanical energy is always obeyed in a ball of mass. However, in real-world situations, factors such as friction and air resistance may cause a loss of mechanical energy. This means that the total mechanical energy may not remain constant, but this loss is typically very small.
In real-world situations, the conservation of mechanical energy can be applied in various ways, such as calculating the trajectory of a thrown ball or predicting the speed of a rolling ball on a slope. This principle is also used in the design of machines and structures to ensure that energy is used efficiently and that potential hazards are minimized.