42.2k views
1 vote
A car traveling through a tunnel has kinetic energy of 32,987 J and

potential energy of 45 J, what is the total energy of the car?

User Smila
by
3.8k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

Total energy = 33032 J

Step-by-step explanation:

Energy can be defined as the ability (capacity) to do work. The two (2) main types of energy are;

a. Gravitational potential energy (GPE): it is an energy possessed by an object or body due to its position above the earth.

b. Kinetic energy (KE): it is an energy possessed by an object or body due to its motion.

Furthermore, the total mechanical energy of a physical object or body is the sum of the potential energy and kinetic energy possessed by the object or body.

Mathematically, it is given by the formula;

Total mechanical energy = G.P.E + K.E

Given the following data;

Kinetic energy = 32,987 J

Potential energy = 45 J

To find the total energy;

Total energy = P.E + K.E

Total energy = 45 + 32,987

Total energy = 33032 J

User Majstor
by
3.5k points