1. What is Total Energy in Physics?

Total energy in classical mechanics is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy. It represents the complete energy content of a system and is conserved in isolated systems according to the law of conservation of energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the total energy equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Total energy (joules, J)
• \( KE \) — Kinetic energy (½ m v², J)
• \( PE \) — Potential energy (m g h, J)
• \( m \) — Mass (kilograms, kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity (meters per second, m/s)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
• \( h \) — Height (meters, m)

Explanation: Kinetic energy depends on mass and velocity squared, while potential energy depends on mass, gravity, and height above a reference point.

3. Importance of Energy Conservation

Details: The principle of energy conservation states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This fundamental concept is crucial in analyzing mechanical systems, thermodynamics, and many other physics applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, velocity in meters per second, and height in meters. All values must be valid (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0, height ≥ 0). The calculator will compute kinetic energy, potential energy, and total energy.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?
A: Kinetic energy is energy of motion (½ m v²), while potential energy is stored energy due to position (m g h for gravitational potential energy).

Q2: Why is gravitational acceleration 9.81 m/s²?
A: This is the standard value for Earth's gravitational acceleration at sea level. It varies slightly with location and altitude.

Q3: Can total energy be negative?
A: In classical mechanics, total mechanical energy is typically positive. However, in some contexts (like orbital mechanics), total energy can be negative indicating a bound system.

Q4: What happens to energy in real systems with friction?
A: In real systems with friction, mechanical energy is converted to thermal energy (heat), so total mechanical energy decreases while total energy (including thermal) remains constant.

Q5: How does this relate to the work-energy theorem?
A: The work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy, which is connected to changes in total energy through conservative and non-conservative forces.