Mechanical Energy Calculator

A mechanical energy calculator finds the total energy possessed by an object due to its motion or position. With the help of this conservation of energy calculator, you can also get the kinetic and potential energies. 

What is Mechanical Energy?

The energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion or position is called mechanical energy.

Mechanical can either be kinetic or potential energy. 

• Kinetic energy (energy of either an object in motion)
• Potential energy (energy stored in objects by their position)

For Example, A moving cycle possesses mechanical energy due to both speed and height.

Mechanical Energy Formula:

To calculate mechanical energy, multiply 1/2 the mass by the velocity squared, then add the result to the product of the mass, height, and acceleration. You can use the following formula to evaluate the total amount of mechanical energy. 

ME = 1/2mv^2 + mgh

Where: 

• m is the mass of the body 
• v is the velocity of a body 
• g is the gravity of an object 
• h is the height of an object 

How To Calculate Mechanical Energy?

There is a simple procedure to calculate mechanical energy with the help of a mechanical energy calculator. Consider an example to make it easier to understand.

Example:

Suppose a stone is 12kg is thrown from the height of a mountain. It moves with a velocity of 4m/s. Calculate their mechanical energy when it is 8m above the ground. 

Solution:

Given Data:

Mass = 12kg
Velocity = 4m/s 
Height = 8m
g = 9.8ms^-2

To Calculate:

Mechanical Energy (ME) =?

ME = 1/2mv^2 + mgh

ME = ½ (12 * 4^2) + (12 * 9.8 * 8)

ME = ½ (192 + 940.8)

ME =  ½ (1132.8)

ME = 566.4 joules 

Working of Mechanical Energy Calculator:

The Total mechanical energy is a sum of kinetic energy and potential energy. So let us move on to realize the working of the total energy calculator. Here are some pointers to follow;

Input:

• Enter the mass, velocity, and height of the object 
• Set the appropriate units of these dimensions 
• Chose the unit of energy 
• Tap “Calculate”

Output:

Our total mechanical energy calculator gives you the following results:

• Mechanical energy for given data in their given units 
• Kinetic energy and potential energy in terms of SI units 
• Step-by-step calculations 

Law of The Conservation of Mechanical Energy:

This law is stated as;

“The total amount of mechanical energy remains the same in a closed system if it is not under the influence of dissipative force except gravitational force.”

FAQs:

Which Form of Energy Does a Pendulum Have?

Pendulum has one or two forms of energy depending on its position in the oscillation. Generally, a pendulum uses both potential and kinetic energy alternating between them as it swings. 

Is Mechanical Energy The Same as Work?

Yes! Mechanical energy is the same as the work and both are measured in joules (J). when the work is done at the object they gain energy this energy is known as mechanical energy. 

References:

From the source Wikipedia: Mechanical energy, Conservation of mechanical energy, how to calculate total mechanical energy.

From the source Khan Academy: work and mechanical energy, energy principles, example.