105k views
1 vote
The total mechanical energy of a system is 950 J and the gravitational potential energy is 350 J. What is the kinetic energy?​

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The kinetic energy is 600 J

Step-by-step explanation:

Mechanical Energy

The principle of the conservation of mechanical energy states that the total mechanical energy in a system remains constant as long as the only forces acting are conservative forces.

The mechanical energy is defined as the sum of the potential plus kinetic energies:

E = U + K

Where E is the total mechanical energy, U is the gravitational potential energy and K is the kinetic energy.

Solving for K:

K = E - U

The system described has a total mechanical energy of E=950 J and gravitational potential energy of U=350 J, thus:

K = 950 J - 350 J

K = 600 J

The kinetic energy is 600 J

User Johnny Klassy
by
5.8k points