Mechanical energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion or position. It is the sum of an object's kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (energy of position).
Mechanical energy can be calculated by adding the kinetic energy and potential energy of an object. Kinetic energy is calculated as 1/2 x mass x velocity squared, while potential energy is calculated as mass x gravitational acceleration x height.
The law of conservation of mechanical energy states that the total amount of mechanical energy in a closed system remains constant. In other words, mechanical energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred from one form to another.
Examples of mechanical energy include a swinging pendulum, a rolling ball, a moving car, and a person jumping on a trampoline. Any object that is in motion or has the potential to move can be said to possess mechanical energy.
Mechanical energy is used in many everyday activities, such as riding a bike, using a manual can opener, and playing sports. It is also harnessed in machines, such as cars, trains, and elevators, to make our lives easier and more efficient.