The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
Total Energy = Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy = Constant
Kinetic Energy (KE)
Energy of motion
KE = ½ × m × v²
Where:
m = mass (kg)
v = velocity (m/s)
Potential Energy (PE)
Stored energy due to position
PE = m × g × h
Where:
m = mass (kg)
g = gravity (9.8 m/s²)
h = height (m)
Pendulum Example
A swinging pendulum demonstrates energy transformation:
- At highest point: Maximum PE, Zero KE
- At lowest point: Maximum KE, Minimum PE
- Total energy remains constant (ignoring friction)
Energy Lost = Energy Gained