Energy transformation in systems helps us to make work easier. In a closed system, energy is never created or destroyed. It only transforms.
Start LearningClick on the cards to reveal the definitions.
A specific group of interacting parts we are studying.
Energy changing from one specific form to another.
Staying the exact same total amount; never lost or created.
The total combined energy of an object's motion and position.
Stored energy based on position or shape.
Gravity: Ep = mgh
(Mass × Gravity × Height)
Elastic: Ep = kx² / 2
(Stiffness × Deformation² / 2)
Active energy based on motion.
Motion: Ek = mv² / 2
(Mass × Velocity² / 2)
In a closed system, initial energy equals final energy.
Move the slider to drop the ball. Watch how Potential Energy (Height) transforms entirely into Kinetic Energy (Speed) as it falls, while Total Energy remains constant.
At max height, all energy is Potential.
Step 1: Given → Step 2: Equation → Step 3: Solution
The Problem: A 2 kg ball is dropped from 10 meters. What is its kinetic energy right before it hits the ground? (g = 9.8 m/s²)
Because it starts at rest, Ek1 is 0. All Ep1 becomes Ek2.
Ep1 = Ek2
Ek2 = m × g × h