Honors Physics Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Mechanical Energy We have discussed two types of energy thus far, Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy. These are both classified as mechanical energies. The sum of the two constitutes the Mechanical Energy possessed by any object.

Work-Energy Theorem

Conservation of Mechanical Energy Consider a friction-free Roller Coaster As the coaster runs, the energy of the train changes between kinetic and potential energy. While the individual energies change, the total remains constant.

Conservation of Mechanical Energy The total mechanical energy of an object remains constant as the object moves, provided that the net work done by the nonconservative forces is zero.

Examples Roller Coaster:  Ideal  Real Life Simple Pendulum Video Demonstrations