Essential Knowledge

Topic

K
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E
T
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C
E
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Kinetic Energy is the energy associated with an object's motion (the result of applying a force).
It is calculated as KE =

1 2
mv
2

and is measured in kg m2/s2 = J.

Kinetic Energy depends on an objects mass and its velocity.

For two bowling balls with identical
mass, the faster ball will have more
KE.
For two bowling balls with identical
speed, the more massive ball will
have more KE.

Mechanical Energy is calculated as the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy. The symbol
for mechanical energy is E. In equation form, E = KE + PE.
Mechanical Energy is a conserved quantity. This means that the sum of an object's KE and PE is
constant (as long as no external forces are present). This does not mean that either KE or PE by
itself remains constant. An increase in KE would be accompanied by a corresponding decrease
in PE and vice-versa.
External forces like friction will change the amount of mechanical energy of an object. Friction
tends to reduce the mechanical energy of an object by transforming it into heat. You can say
that friction "uses up" mechanical energy.

Study and
practice
Read pp. 68-69