Why does mechanical energy stay constant in a closed system?
In short: This video explains the fundamental principle of energy conservation in physics. By defining mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential components, it clarifies the conditions under which energy remains constant versus when it is transferred to the environment.
Mechanical energy is defined as the total of a system's kinetic and potential energies. The principle of conservation holds true only when two specific conditions are met: the work performed on the system must be zero, and there must be no nonconservative interactions occurring within that system.
When external work is applied to a system, the total mechanical energy is no longer constant. In these instances, energy is actively transferred between the system and its surrounding environment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Conservation of energy (part 1) | AP Physics | Khan Academy
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