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In a system where only conservative forces act, what is meant by the term mechanical energy?
AThe sum of kinetic energy and potential energy
BOnly the energy stored in springs, excluding gravity
CThe total heat generated by internal friction
DThe energy consumed by an external motor
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. The sum of kinetic energy and potential energy
1. Mechanical energy is defined as the total kinetic energy plus potential energy of a system.
2. This definition includes potential energy from any conservative force present, such as gravity or a spring, not springs alone.
3. Heat generated by friction is a form of energy loss from the mechanical energy of the system, not part of the mechanical energy itself.
4. Energy consumed by an outside motor is a separate energy input to the system, not the definition of the system's own mechanical energy.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Work, Energy, and Energy Resources", section 7.4 Conservative Forces and Potential Energy_
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