Mechanical Energy
definition
the ability to do work or cause change
SI unit
Joule (J)
Potential Energy
Gravitational PE
Elastic PE
defined as the energy possessed or acquired by an object due to a change in its position when it is present in a gravitational field.
SI unit: Joules per kilogram (J/kg)
GPE = mgh
GPE = Gravitational PE (J)
m = mass (kg)
h = height (m)
defined as the energy stored as a result of applying a force to deform an elastic object
SI unit: Joules (J)
U=1/2 k \Delta x^{2}
U = elastic energy (J)
k = spring constant
delta x = change in position
Kinetic Energy
defined as the energy of motion, observable as the movement of an object or subatomic particle.
SI unit: Joule (J)
KE = 1/2 mv^2
KE = kinetic energy (J)
m = mass (kg)
v = velocity (m/s)