Mechanics
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Total mechanical energy is conserved in absence of non-conservative forces.
Variables
KE₁J
Initial kinetic energy
KE at position 1
PE₁J
Initial potential energy
PE at position 1
KE₂J
Final kinetic energy
KE at position 2
PE₂J
Final potential energy
PE at position 2
Derivation
When only conservative forces act, E_total = KE + PE = constant.
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Common questions
What is the Conservation of Mechanical Energy formula?
Conservation of Mechanical Energy is written KE₁ + PE₁ = KE₂ + PE₂. Total mechanical energy is conserved in absence of non-conservative forces. It belongs to Mechanics, under Work & Energy.
What are the units in KE₁ + PE₁ = KE₂ + PE₂?
In SI units, KE₁ is initial kinetic energy, measured in kg·m²/s²; PE₁ is initial potential energy, measured in kg·m²/s²; KE₂ is final kinetic energy, measured in kg·m²/s²; PE₂ is final potential energy, measured in kg·m²/s².
How is the Conservation of Mechanical Energy formula derived?
When only conservative forces act, E_total = KE + PE = constant. The result is KE₁ + PE₁ = KE₂ + PE₂.