Why do we add Kinetic and Potential energy?

AI Thread Summary
Kinetic and potential energy are both scalar quantities, allowing for their straightforward addition to determine total energy. This combined value is referred to as "mechanical energy." Total energy encompasses all forms of energy, including those affected by dissipative forces that do not conserve mechanical energy. Potential energy can vary in sign, being positive or negative based on changes in distance. Thus, the addition of kinetic and potential energy remains a scalar operation.
akashpandey
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As we know Energy is a scalar quantity.
So when we add kinetic and potential energy to get Total energy.
So addicting these two energy (kinetic and potential) comes under Scalar addition ?
I just wanted to confirm it.
 
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Yes.
 
Also, note that the scalar sum of kinetic and potential energy is called "mechanical energy." "Total energy" is the sum of all energies and includes energy transformations brought about by dissipative forces that do not conserve mechanical energy.
 
akashpandey said:
Summary:: Adding Kinetic and Potential energy is Scalar addition.

As we know Energy is a scalar quantity.
Having a sign doesn't prevent a scalar from being a scalar. Potential energy can be positive or negative, depending on whether it increases or decreases as the distance changes.
 

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