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Total Energy Equation:
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Total energy in a mechanical system is the sum of kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy due to position). It represents the complete energy content of an object or system.
The calculator uses the total energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation in physics states that the total mechanical energy of a system is simply the arithmetic sum of its kinetic and potential energy components.
Details: Calculating total energy is essential for understanding energy conservation in closed systems, analyzing mechanical systems, solving physics problems, and predicting object behavior in various physical scenarios.
Tips: Enter both kinetic and potential energy values in Joules. Both values must be non-negative numbers. The calculator will sum them to give the total energy.
Q1: What is the principle of energy conservation?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, total mechanical energy remains constant, though it may convert between kinetic and potential forms.
Q2: Can total energy be negative?
A: While individual energy components can be negative in some contexts (like potential energy in gravitational fields), total mechanical energy is typically positive in most physical systems.
Q3: What are common units for energy?
A: The SI unit is Joule (J), but other units include calorie, kilowatt-hour, electronvolt, and British thermal unit, with appropriate conversion factors.
Q4: Does this calculator work for all energy types?
A: This calculator specifically handles mechanical energy (kinetic + potential). For other energy forms (thermal, chemical, nuclear), different calculations are required.
Q5: How is this different from thermodynamic total energy?
A: Thermodynamic total energy includes internal energy (molecular motion, chemical bonds) in addition to mechanical energy, making it more comprehensive.