Mechanical Energy

Definition and Mathematics of Work

Calculating the Amount of Work Done by Forces

Potential Energy

Kinetic Energy

Mechanical Energy

Power

In a previous part of Lesson 1, it was said that work is done upon an object whenever a force acts upon it
to cause it to be displaced. Work involves a force acting upon an object to cause a displacement. In all
instances in which work is done, there is an object that supplies the force in order to do the work. If a
World Civilization book is lifted to the top shelf of a student locker, then the student supplies the force
to do the work on the book. If a plow is displaced across a field, then some form of farm equipment
(usually a tractor or a horse) supplies the force to do the work on the plow. If a pitcher winds up and
accelerates a baseball towards home plate, then the pitcher supplies the force to do the work on the
baseball. If a roller coaster car is displaced from ground level to the top of the first drop of a roller
coaster ride, then a chain driven by a motor supplies the force to do the work on the car. If a barbell is
displaced from ground level to a height above a weightlifter's head, then the weightlifter is supplying a
force to do work on the barbell. In all instances, an object that possesses some form of energy supplies
the force to do the work. In the instances described here, the objects doing the work (a student, a
tractor, a pitcher, a motor/chain) possess chemical potential energy stored in food or fuel that is
transformed into work. In the process of doing work, the object that is doing the work exchanges energy
with the object upon which the work is done. When the work is done upon the object, that object gains
energy. The energy acquired by the objects upon which work is done is known as mechanical energy.

Mechanical energy is the energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion or due to its position.
Mechanical energy can be either kinetic energy (energy of motion) or potential energy (stored energy of
position). Objects have mechanical energy if they are in motion and/or if they are at some position
relative to a zero potential energy position (for example, a brick held at a vertical position above the
ground or zero height position). A moving car possesses mechanical energy due to its motion (kinetic
energy). A moving baseball possesses mechanical energy due to both its high speed (kinetic energy) and
its vertical position above the ground (gravitational potential energy). A World Civilization book at rest
on the top shelf of a locker possesses mechanical energy due to its vertical position above the ground
(gravitational potential energy). A barbell lifted high above a weightlifter's head possesses mechanical
energy due to its vertical position above the ground (gravitational potential energy). A drawn bow
possesses mechanical energy due to its stretched position (elastic potential energy).

Mechanical Energy as the Ability to Do Work

An object that possesses mechanical energy is able to do work. In fact, mechanical energy is often
defined as the ability to do work. Any object that possesses mechanical energy - whether it is in the form
of potential energy or kinetic energy - is able to do work. That is, its mechanical energy enables that
object to apply a force to another object in order to cause it to be displaced.

Numerous examples can be given of how an object with mechanical energy can harness that energy in
order to apply a force to cause another object to be displaced. A classic example involves the massive
wrecking ball of a demolition machine. The wrecking ball is a massive object that is swung backwards to
a high position and allowed to swing forward into building structure or other object in order to demolish
it. Upon hitting the structure, the wrecking ball applies a force to it in order to cause the wall of the
structure to be displaced. The diagram below depicts the process by which the mechanical energy of a
wrecking ball can be used to do work.

A hammer is a tool that utilizes mechanical energy to do work. The mechanical energy of a hammer
gives the hammer its ability to apply a force to a nail in order to cause it to be displaced. Because the
hammer has mechanical energy (in the form of kinetic energy), it is able to do work on the nail.
Mechanical energy is the ability to do work.

Another example that illustrates how mechanical energy is the ability of an object to do work can be
seen any evening at your local bowling alley. The mechanical energy of a bowling ball gives the ball the
ability to apply a force to a bowling pin in order to cause it to be displaced. Because the massive ball has
mechanical energy (in the form of kinetic energy), it is able to do work on the pin. Mechanical energy is
the ability to do work.

A dart gun is still another example of how mechanical energy of an object can do work on another
object. When a dart gun is loaded and the springs are compressed, it possesses mechanical energy. The
mechanical energy of the compressed springs gives the springs the ability to apply a force to the dart in
order to cause it to be displaced. Because of the springs have mechanical energy (in the form of elastic
potential energy), it is able to do work on the dart. Mechanical energy is the ability to do work.
A common scene in some parts of the countryside is a "wind farm." High-speed winds are used to do
work on the blades of a turbine at the so-called wind farm. The mechanical energy of the moving air
gives the air particles the ability to apply a force and cause a displacement of the blades. As the blades
spin, their energy is subsequently converted into electrical energy (a non-mechanical form of energy)
and supplied to homes and industries in order to run electrical appliances. Because the moving wind has
mechanical energy (in the form of kinetic energy), it is able to do work on the blades. Once more,
mechanical energy is the ability to do work.

The Total Mechanical Energy

As already mentioned, the mechanical energy of an object can be the result of its motion (i.e., kinetic
energy) and/or the result of its stored energy of position (i.e., potential energy). The total amount of
mechanical energy is merely the sum of the potential energy and the kinetic energy. This sum is simply
referred to as the total mechanical energy (abbreviated TME).

TME = PE + KE

As discussed earlier, there are two forms of potential energy discussed in our course - gravitational
potential energy and elastic potential energy. Given this fact, the above equation can be rewritten:

TME = PEgrav + PEspring + KE

The diagram below depicts the motion of Lee Ben Fardest (esteemed American ski jumper) as he glides
down the hill and makes one of his record-setting jumps.
The total mechanical energy of Lee Ben Fardest is the sum of the potential and kinetic energies. The two
forms of energy sum up to 50 000 Joules. Notice also that the total mechanical energy of Lee Ben
Fardest is a constant value throughout his motion. There are conditions under which the total
mechanical energy will be a constant value and conditions under which it will be a changing value. This is
the subject of Lesson 2 - the work-energy relationship. For now, merely remember that total mechanical
energy is the energy possessed by an object due to either its motion or its stored energy of position. The
total amount of mechanical energy is merely the sum of these two forms of energy. And finally, an
object with mechanical energy is able to do work on another object.

2.5 Conservation of mechanical energy (ESAHO)

Conservation of Energy

The Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but is merely changed from
one form into another.

So far we have looked at two types of energy: gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy. The sum
of the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy is called the mechanical energy. In a closed
system, one where there are no external dissipative forces acting, the mechanical energy will remain
constant. In other words, it will not change (become more or less). This is called the Law of Conservation
of Mechanical Energy.

In problems involving the use of conservation of energy, the path taken by the object can be ignored.
The only important quantities are the object's velocity (which gives its kinetic energy) and height above
the reference point (which gives its gravitational potential energy).

Conservation of mechanical energy

Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy: The total amount of mechanical energy, in a closed system in
the absence of dissipative forces (e.g. friction, air resistance), remains constant.

This means that potential energy can become kinetic energy, or vice versa, but energy cannot
“disappear”. For example, in the absence of air resistance, the mechanical energy of an object moving
through the air in the Earth's gravitational field, remains constant (is conserved).

Simulation: VPgoo

Using the law of conservation of energy (ESAHP)

Mechanical energy is conserved (in the absence of friction). Therefore we can say that the sum of the EP
and the EK anywhere during the motion must be equal to the sum of the the EP and the EK anywhere
else in the motion.

We can now apply this to the example of the suitcase on the cupboard. Consider the mechanical energy
of the suitcase at the top and at the bottom. We can say:

da9a09de47b91470d4b309983e987c81.png

EM1EP1+EK1mgh+12mv2(1 kg)(9,8 m⋅s−2)(2 m)+019,6v2v=EM2=EP2+EK2=mgh+12mv2=0+12(1

kg)(v2)=12(v2)=39,2 m2⋅s−2=6,26 m⋅s−1

The suitcase will strike the ground with a velocity of 6,26 m⋅s−1.

From this we see that when an object is lifted, like the suitcase in our example, it gains potential energy.
As it falls back to the ground, it will lose this potential energy, but gain kinetic energy. We know that
energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another. In our example,
the potential energy that the suitcase loses is changed to kinetic energy.

The suitcase will have maximum potential energy at the top of the cupboard and maximum kinetic
energy at the bottom of the cupboard. Halfway down it will have half kinetic energy and half potential
energy. As it moves down, the potential energy will be converted (changed) into kinetic energy until all
the potential energy is gone and only kinetic energy is left. The 19,6 J of potential energy at the top will
become 19,6 J of kinetic energy at the bottom.

Conversion of energy

Materials

A length of plastic pipe with diameter approximately 20 mm, a marble, some masking tape and a
measuring tape.

To do (1)

First put one end of the pipe on the table top so that it is parallel to the top of the table and tape it in
position with the masking tape.

Lift the other end of the pipe upwards and hold it at a steady height not too high above the table.
Measure the vertical height from the table top to the top opening of the pipe.

Now put the marble at the top of the pipe and let it go so that it travels through the pipe and out the
other end.

Questions

What is the velocity (i.e. fast, slow, not moving) of the marble when you first put it into the top of the
pipe and what does this mean for its gravitational potential and kinetic energy?

What is the velocity (i.e. fast, slow, not moving) of the marble when it reaches the other end of the pipe
and rolls onto the desk? What does this mean for its gravitational potential and kinetic energy?

To do (2)

Now lift the top of the pipe as high as it will go.

Measure the vertical height of the top of the pipe above the table top.

Put the marble into the top opening and let it roll through the pipe onto the table.

Questions

What is the velocity (i.e. fast, slow, not moving) of the marble when you put it into the top of the pipe,
and what does this mean for its gravitational potential and kinetic energy?

Compared to the first attempt, what was different about the height of the top of the tube? How do you
think this affects the gravitational potential energy of the marble?

Compared to your first attempt, was the marble moving faster or slower when it came out of the
bottom of the pipe the second time? What does this mean for the kinetic energy of the marble?
The activity with the marble rolling down the pipe shows very nicely the conversion between
gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy. In the first instance, the pipe was held relatively low
and therefore the gravitational potential energy was also relatively low. The kinetic energy at this point
was zero since the marble wasn't moving yet. When the marble rolled out of the other end of the pipe,
it was moving relatively slowly, and therefore its kinetic energy was also relatively low. At this point its
gravitational potential energy was zero since it was at zero height above the table top.

In the second instance, the marble started off higher up and therefore its gravitational potential energy
was higher. By the time it got to the bottom of the pipe, its gravitational potential energy was zero (zero
height above the table) but its kinetic energy was high since it was moving much faster than the first
time. Therefore, the gravitational potential energy was converted completely to kinetic energy (if we
ignore friction with the pipe).

In the case of the pipe being held higher, the gravitational potential energy at the start was higher, and
the kinetic energy (and velocity) of the marble was higher at the end. In other words, the total
mechanical energy was higher and and only depended on the height you held the pipe above the table
top and not on the distance the marble had to travel through the pipe.

WORKED EXAMPLE 7: USING THE LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY

During a flood a tree trunk of mass 100 kg falls down a waterfall. The waterfall is 5 m high.

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If air resistance is ignored, calculate:

the potential energy of the tree trunk at the top of the waterfall.

the kinetic energy of the tree trunk at the bottom of the waterfall.

the magnitude of the velocity of the tree trunk at the bottom of the waterfall.

Analyse the question to determine what information is provided

The mass of the tree trunk m=100 kg

The height of the waterfall h=5 m.

These are all in SI units so we do not have to convert.

Analyse the question to determine what is being asked

Potential energy at the top

Kinetic energy at the bottom

Velocity at the bottom

Calculate the potential energy at the top of the waterfall.

EP=mgh=(100 kg)(9,8 m⋅s−2)(5 m)=4 900 J

Calculate the kinetic energy at the bottom of the waterfall.

The total mechanical energy must be conserved.

EK1+EP1=EK2+EP2

Since the trunk's velocity is zero at the top of the waterfall, EK1=0.

At the bottom of the waterfall, h=0 m, so EP2=0.

Therefore EP1=EK2 or in words:

The kinetic energy of the tree trunk at the bottom of the waterfall is equal to the potential energy it had
at the top of the waterfall. Therefore EK=4 900 J

Calculate the velocity at the bottom of the waterfall.

To calculate the velocity of the tree trunk we need to use the equation for kinetic energy.

EK4 90098vv=12mv2=12(100 kg)(v2)=v2=9,899... m⋅s−1=9,90 m⋅s−1

WORKED EXAMPLE 8: PENDULUM

A 2 kg metal ball is suspended from a rope as a pendulum. If it is released from point A and swings down
to the point B (the bottom of its arc):

show that the velocity of the ball is independent of its mass,

calculate the velocity of the ball at point B.

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Analyse the question to determine what information is provided

The mass of the metal ball is m=2 kg

The change in height going from point A to point B is h=0,5 m

The ball is released from point A so the velocity at point, vA=0 m⋅s−1.

All quantities are in SI units.

Analyse the question to determine what is being asked

Prove that the velocity is independent of mass.

Find the velocity of the metal ball at point B.

Apply the Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy to the situation

Since there is no friction, mechanical energy is conserved. Therefore:

EM1EP1+EK1mgh1+12m(v1)2mgh1+0mgh1=EM2=EP2+EK2=mgh2+12m(v2)2=0+12m(v2)2=12m(v2)2

The mass of the ball m appears on both sides of the equation so it can be eliminated so that the
equation becomes:

gh12gh1=12(v2)2=(v2)2

This proves that the velocity of the ball is independent of its mass. It does not matter what its mass is, it
will always have the same velocity when it falls through this height.

Calculate the velocity of the ball at point B

We can use the equation above, or do the calculation from “first principles”:

(v2)2(v2)2(v2)2v2v2=2gh1=(2)(9,8 m⋅s−2)(0,5 m)=9,8 m2⋅s−2=9,8 m2⋅s−2−−−−−−−−√=3,13 m⋅s−1

Alternatively you can do:

EK1+EP1mgh1+12m(v1)2mgh1+0(v2)2(v2)2v2v2=EK2+EP2=mgh2+12m(v2)2=0+12m(v2)2=2mgh1m=2(2
kg)(9,8 m⋅s−2)(0,5 m)2 kg=9,8 m2⋅s−2−−−−−−−−√=3,13 m⋅s−1

WORKED EXAMPLE 9: THE ROLLER COASTER

A roller coaster ride at an amusement park starts from rest at a height of 50 m above the ground and
rapidly drops down along its track. At some point, the track does a full 360° loop which has a height of
20 m, before finishing off at ground level. The roller coaster train itself with a full load of people on it
has a mass of 850 kg.

Roller coaster

If the roller coaster and its track are frictionless, calculate:

the velocity of the roller coaster when it reaches the top of the loop

the velocity of the roller coaster at the bottom of the loop (i.e. ground level)

Analyse the question to determine what information is provided

The mass of the roller coaster is m=850 kg

The initial height of the roller coaster at its starting position is h1=50 m

The roller coaster starts from rest, so its initial velocity v1=0 m⋅s−1

The height of the loop is h2=20 m

The height at the bottom of the loop is at ground level, h3=0 m

We do not need to convert units as they are in the correct form already.

Analyse the question to determine what is being asked

the velocity of the roller coaster at the top of the loop

the velocity of the roller coaster at the bottom of the loop

Calculate the velocity at the top of the loop

From the conservation of mechanical energy, We know that at any two points in the system, the total
mechanical energy must be the same. Let's compare the situation at the start of the roller coaster to the
situation at the top of the loop:

EM1EK1+EP10+mgh1=EM2=EK2+EP2=12m(v2)2+mgh2

We can eliminate the mass, m, from the equation by dividing both sides by m.

gh1(v2)2(v2)2v2=12(v2)2+gh2=2(gh1−gh2)=2((9,8 m⋅s−2)(50 m)−(9,8 m⋅s−2)(20 m))=24,25 m⋅s−1

Calculate the velocity at the bottom of the loop

Again we can use the conservation of energy and the total mechanical energy at the bottom of the loop
should be the same as the total mechanical energy of the system at any other position. Let's compare
the situations at the start of the roller coaster's trip and the bottom of the loop:

EM1EK1+EP112m1(0)2+mgh1mgh1(v3)2(v3)2v3=EM3=EK3+EP3=12m(v3)2+mg(0)=12m(v3)2=2gh1=2(9,
8 m⋅s−2)(50 m)=31,30 m⋅s−1

WORKED EXAMPLE 10: AN INCLINED PLANE

A mountain climber who is climbing a mountain in the Drakensberg during winter, by mistake drops her
water bottle which then slides 100 m down the side of a steep icy slope to a point which is 10 m lower
than the climber's position. The mass of the climber is 60 kg and her water bottle has a mass of 500 g .

If the bottle starts from rest, how fast is it travelling by the time it reaches the bottom of the slope?
(Neglect friction.)

What is the total change in the climber's potential energy as she climbs down the mountain to fetch her
fallen water bottle? i.e. what is the difference between her potential energy at the top of the slope and
the bottom of the slope?

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Analyse the question to determine what information is provided

the distance travelled by the water bottle down the slope, d=100 m
the difference in height between the starting position and the final position of the water bottle is h=10
m

the bottle starts sliding from rest, so its initial velocity is v1=9,8 m⋅s−1

the mass of the climber is 60 kg

the mass of the water bottle is 500 g. We need to convert this mass into kg: 500 g=0,5 kg

Analyse the question to determine what is being asked

What is the velocity of the water bottle at the bottom of the slope?

What is the difference between the climber's potential energy when she is at the top of the slope
compared to when she reaches the bottom?

Calculate the velocity of the water bottle when it reaches the bottom of the slope

EM1EK1+EP112m(v1)2+mgh10+mgh1(v2)2(v2)2(v2)2v2=EM2=EK2+EP2=12m(v2)2+mgh2=12m(v2)2+0=2
mghm=2gh=(2)(9,8 m⋅s−2)(10 m)=14 m⋅s−1

Note: the distance that the bottle travelled (i.e. 100 m) does not play any role in calculating the
energies. It is only the height difference that is important in calculating potential energy.

Calculate the difference between the climber's potential energy at the top of the slope and her potential
energy at the bottom of the slope

At the top of the slope, her potential energy is:

EP1=mgh1=(60 kg)(9,8 m⋅s−2)(10 m)=5 800 J

At the bottom of the slope, her potential energy is:

EP1=mgh1=(60 kg)(9,8 m⋅s−2)(0 m)=0 J

Therefore the difference in her potential energy when moving from the top of the slope to the bottom
is:

EP1−EP2=5 880−0=5 880 J

EXERCISE 22.3

A tennis ball, of mass 120 kg , is dropped from a height of 5 m . Ignore air friction.
What is the potential energy of the ball when it has fallen 3 m ?

What is the velocity of the ball when it hits the ground?

Solution not yet available

Show Answer

A ball rolls down a hill which has a vertical height of 15 m . Ignoring friction, what would be the

gravitational potential energy of the ball when it is at the top of the hill?

velocity of the ball when it reaches the bottom of the hill?

Solution not yet available

Show Answer

A bullet, mass 50 g , is shot vertically up in the air with a muzzle velocity of 200 m⋅s−1. Use the Principle
of Conservation of Mechanical Energy to determine the height that the bullet will reach. Ignore air
friction.

Solution not yet available

Show Answer

A skier, mass 50 kg, is at the top of a 6,4 m ski slope.

Determine the maximum velocity that she can reach when she skis to the bottom of the slope.

Do you think that she will reach this velocity? Why/Why not?

Solution not yet available

Show Answer

A pendulum bob of mass 1,5 kg, swings from a height A to the bottom of its arc at B. The velocity of the
bob at B is 4 m⋅s−1. Calculate the height A from which the bob was released. Ignore the effects of air
friction.

Solution not yet available

Show Answer

Prove that the velocity of an object, in free fall, in a closed system, is independent of its mass.
Thermodynamics:

Kinetic and Potential Energy

Home

Table of Contents

Thermodynamics Gateway Page

In this module:

Introduction

Kinetic and Potential Energy

The First Law of Thermodynamics

Systems and Sign Conventions

Chemists divide energy into two classes. Kinetic energy is energy possessed by an object in motion. The
earth revolving around the sun, you walking down the street, and molecules moving in space all have
kinetic energy.

Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object and to the square of its velocity: K.E. =
1/2 m v2. If the mass has units of kilograms and the velocity of meters per second, the kinetic energy
has units of kilograms-meters squared per second squared. Kinetic energy is usually measured in units of
Joules (J); one Joule is equal to 1 kg m2 / s2.

Calculate the kinetic energy in Joules possessed by each of the following objects. Remember to use the
correct number of significant figures in your answer.

A. A 500 g wooden block moving at 2 m/s.

B. A 71 kg man walking at 1.0 m/s.

C. A 71 kg man running at 5.0 m/s.

D. A 1816 kg car (2 tons) travelling at 26.8 m/s (60 mph).

J
Potential energy is energy an object has because of its position relative to some other object. When you
stand at the top of a stairwell you have more potential energy than when you are at the bottom,
because the earth can pull you down through the force of gravity, doing work in the process. When you
are holding two magnets apart they have more potential energy than when they are close together. If
you let them go, they will move toward each other, doing work in the process.

The formula for potential energy depends on the force acting on the two objects. For the gravitational
force the formula is P.E. = mgh, where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity
(9.8 m / s2 at the surface of the earth) and h is the height in meters. Notice that gravitational potential
energy has the same units as kinetic energy, kg m2 / s2. In fact, all energy has the same units, kg m2 / s2,
and is measured using the unit Joule (J).