What Types of Potential Energy Exist Beyond Gravitational?

[Doc Al]

Mechanical energy is not potential energy. It is the conduit or storage of energy of a system with a set task. As it is present in the system, only after the conversion of potential energy, is it referred to as mechanical. Drakkith is correct. Notice the part that says "components of a mechanical system".

You seem to be saying that potential energy is not mechanical energy, which is incorrect. Please refer to the wiki definition quoted by Drakkith. There really isn't much more to it. It's just a term of convenience.

 

[FissX]

There is a difference between potential energy existing IN mechanical energy and potential energy actually BEING mechanical energy. They are not one in the same. Mechanical energy cannot exist without potential energy. But potential energy can exist without mechanical energy.

Because I send electricity into a copper wire (example) does not mean the copper wire is also the source of energy. It is a conduit with which potential energy is stored (short version). Mechanical energy is the "copper wire" in the sense that it is an organized mechanical system with a set task.

 

[Doc Al]

There is a difference between potential energy existing IN mechanical energy and potential energy actually BEING mechanical energy. They are not one in the same. Mechanical energy cannot exist without potential energy. But potential energy can exist without mechanical energy.

Because I send electricity into a copper wire (example) does not mean the copper wire is also the source of energy. It is a conduit with which potential energy is stored (short version). Mechanical energy is the "copper wire" in the sense that it is an organized mechanical system with a set task.

I have no idea what you think 'mechanical energy' is or what you are trying to say.

Try this: Toss a ball into the air. Define the mechanical energy of the system. Is it conserved? Why or why not?

 

[Drakkith]

There is a difference between potential energy existing IN mechanical energy and potential energy actually BEING mechanical energy. They are not one in the same. Mechanical energy cannot exist without potential energy. But potential energy can exist without mechanical energy.

Because I send electricity into a copper wire (example) does not mean the copper wire is also the source of energy. It is a conduit with which potential energy is stored (short version). Mechanical energy is the "copper wire" in the sense that it is an organized mechanical system with a set task.

I don't believe that would be mechanical energy, but electrical energy. Furthermore, given the definition of mechanical energy, I don't agree with your view that potential energy isn't mechanical energy. It doesn't HAVE to be mechanical energy, but it is part of it when appropriate.

 

[I-copeland]

Is there a simple way to understand the logic of the sequence of the energetic quality hierarchy?

Thanks