Question

mission we4: mechanical energy
the total mechanical energy of an object is _.
a. the final energy minus the initial energy
b. simply the initial energy of the object before its
motion begins
c. the amount of energy an object possesses as a
result of its motion
d. the amount of energy an object possesses as a
result of its position
e. the sum of its kinetic energy and its potential energy
f. the sum of its initial energy and its final energy
g. equal to the work done upon the object

Explanation:

Mechanical energy is defined as the sum of kinetic energy (energy due to motion) and potential energy (energy due to position).

• Option a: The difference between final and initial energy is not the definition of total mechanical energy.
• Option b: It's not just the initial energy before motion.
• Option c: This describes only kinetic energy.
• Option d: This describes only potential energy.
• Option f: Summing initial and final energy is not the correct concept.
• Option g: Mechanical energy is not directly equal to work done upon the object in the general definition of total mechanical energy.

Answer:

e. the sum of its kinetic energy and its potential energy