Why do we add Kinetic and Potential energy?

[akashpandey]

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.

 

[PeroK]

Yes.

 

[kuruman]

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.

 

[sophiecentaur]

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.