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The most general statement of conservation of energy is KEi + PEi + Wnc + OEi = KEf + PEf + OEf. What does the term OE represent in this equation?
AThe energy an observer measures from outside the system
BAll forms of energy other than kinetic and potential energy
CThe output efficiency of an energy conversion device
DThe orbital energy of a satellite specifically
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. All forms of energy other than kinetic and potential energy
1. The general energy conservation equation includes kinetic energy, potential energy, work done by nonconservative forces, and a term called OE.
2. OE lumps together all other forms of energy besides mechanical energy, such as thermal, chemical, electrical, and nuclear energy.
3. In earlier examples this term stayed constant and dropped out of the calculation, which is why it had not appeared before.
4. OE is not an outside observer's measurement, a device's efficiency rating, or a term specific to orbital motion; it is simply the catch-all for non-mechanical energy.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Work, Energy, and Energy Resources", section 7.6 Conservation of Energy_
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