Which equation shows the correct relationship between mechanical energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy?

A. [tex]ME = KE + PE[/tex]

B. [tex]ME + KE = PE[/tex]

C. [tex]ME = KE - PE[/tex]

D. [tex]ME + PE = KE[/tex]



Answer :

Sure, let's go through the concepts of mechanical energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy step by step to identify the correct equation.

1. Mechanical Energy (ME):
Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energies in a system. It represents the total energy of the system due to both its motion and its position.

2. Kinetic Energy (KE):
Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. For an object of mass [tex]\( m \)[/tex] moving at velocity [tex]\( v \)[/tex], kinetic energy is given by:
[tex]\[ KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \][/tex]

3. Potential Energy (PE):
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a force field, such as gravity. For example, the gravitational potential energy of an object of mass [tex]\( m \)[/tex] at height [tex]\( h \)[/tex] in a gravitational field with acceleration [tex]\( g \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ PE = mgh \][/tex]

4. Relationship between ME, KE, and PE:
The mechanical energy of a system is the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy. This relationship can be written as:
[tex]\[ ME = KE + PE \][/tex]

Given the options, this explains why the correct equation is:

[tex]\[ ME = KE + PE \][/tex]

Thus, the correct equation showing the relationship between mechanical energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy is:
[tex]\[ ME = KE + PE \][/tex]

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