Mechanical Energy Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the total mechanical energy (ME) is:

\[ ME = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 + m g h \]

Where:

\(ME\) is the mechanical energy (J)
\(m\) is the mass (kg)
\(v\) is the velocity (m/s)
\(h\) is the height of the object (m)
\(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)

What is Mechanical Energy?

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energies possessed by a system. It can be described as the ability of a system to exert work. In an ideally isolated or static system, mechanical energy remains constant. However, it is affected by forces such as friction if the system is moving.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following values:

Mass (m) = 10 kg
Velocity (v) = 5 m/s
Height (h) = 2 m

Using the formula to calculate the mechanical energy (ME):

\[ ME = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 + m g h = \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times 5^2 + 10 \times 9.8 \times 2 = 125 + 196 = 321 \text{ J} \]

The mechanical energy (ME) is 321 J.