Question

Discuss the various forms of mechanical energy.

Answer 1

The energy possessed by a body due to its position or motion is called mechanical energy. It is of two types,

Potential Energy

1. It is defined as the energy of a body due to its position.
2. There are two types of potential energies.

2.1 Gravitational Potential Energy: It is the energy of a body due to its height in the gravitational field. e.g. water stored in a dam.

2.2 Elastic Potential Energy: It is the energy stored in a body when work is done to deform, stretch or compress it. e.g. coil spring of a wind-up clock.

Kinetic Energy

1. It is defined as the energy of a body due to its motion.
2. It depends on 2 factors, which are mass (m) and velocity (v) of the body.
3. It is expressed as, $K.E.=\frac{1}{2}m{v}^2$.
4. Examples: a moving car, a fired bullet, etc.