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Total Energy Equation:
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The total energy equation (E = KE + PE + U_internal) represents the sum of kinetic energy, potential energy, and internal energy in a physical system. This fundamental concept in Physics 2 helps analyze energy conservation and transformations in various systems.
The calculator uses the total energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation sums all forms of energy present in a system to determine the total energy, which remains constant in closed systems according to the law of conservation of energy.
Details: Calculating total energy is essential for understanding energy conservation, analyzing mechanical systems, solving thermodynamics problems, and predicting system behavior in various physics applications.
Tips: Enter values for kinetic energy, potential energy, and internal energy in Joules. All values must be valid numerical inputs.
Q1: What is kinetic energy?
A: Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion, calculated as \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \) where m is mass and v is velocity.
Q2: What is potential energy?
A: Potential energy is stored energy due to an object's position or configuration, such as gravitational potential energy \( PE = mgh \) or spring potential energy.
Q3: What is internal energy?
A: Internal energy refers to the total energy contained within a system, including molecular kinetic energy, potential energy from molecular interactions, and other microscopic energy forms.
Q4: When is total energy conserved?
A: Total energy is conserved in closed systems where no energy enters or leaves the system, though energy may transform between different forms.
Q5: Can total energy be negative?
A: While individual energy components can be negative (depending on reference points), the total energy of a system is typically positive in most physical contexts.