PROJECT- PHYSICS

 1) Describe the types of Mechanical Energy with an example and state the SI unit and formula?

Ans: It is said that work is done when an object whenever a force acts upon it to displace. Work involves a force through which an object can be displaced. When the work is done upon the object then it will gain energy. The energy acquired by an object on which work is done is known as its mechanical energy. 

Mechanical Energy Formula

Mechanical energy is generally defined as the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in an object. It is accumulated due to performing some particular work. In other words, we can describe the energy of an object because of its motion or position, or sometimes both.

We know that potential energy is possessed by the object due to its position. It is because to place some object at some height, some work will be done. Also, kinetic energy is possessed by an object due to work done by it for its movement. When an object is moving, then its potential energy is considered zero. On the other hand when it is at rest, then its kinetic energy will be zero.

Objects have mechanical energy if they are in motion and/or if they are at some position relative to the surface. For example, a box held at a vertical position above the ground will have only potential energy. A moving vehicle possesses mechanical energy due to its motion i.e. kinetic energy. Thus we can say that a moving baseball possesses mechanical energy due to both its speed and its vertical position above the ground.

The formula for Mechanical Energy

We can express the mechanical energy formula as:

M.E = K. E + P.E

Also, we know that

K.E. = 12×m×v2

And

P.E. =m×g×h

Hence,

M.E. = 12×m×v2+m×g×h

Where,

M.E.= Mechanical Energy, K.E.= Kinetic Energy,

P.E.= Potential Energy, m= Mass of the object

g =  Acceleration due to gravity, h= Height position

v=The velocity of the object

Illustration with an example

Suppose a person is sitting on a building of height 10m and the mass of the person is 100kg. We can determine the mechanical energy.

Solution:

As given parameters in the problem are,

m = 100 kg

h = 10m

Since the person is in a static state, therefore,

E. = 0

Mechanical energy formula is:

M.E. = K.E. + P.E.

M.E. = 0+ m × g × h

= 100 × 9.81 × 0

M.E. = 9810 J

Therefore mechanical energy will be 9810 J.

The S.I unit of mechanical energy is J (Jule).