Conservation of Mechanical Energy (Gravitational Forces Only)

In this video, we’ll be exploring the conservation of mechanical energy and how gravitational forces play a key role in this fundamental concept. We’ll break down the energy transformations that occur when an object is only influenced by gravity—like when you drop a basketball and watch it bounce. As the ball falls, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and when it rises, that kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy.

We’ll start by deriving an equation that describes these transformations of mechanical energy. Using a free body diagram, we’ll demonstrate how gravity does work on an object, leading to a change in its potential and kinetic energy. By the end of the video, you'll see how the sum of these two forms of energy remains constant when only gravitational forces are at play—this is what we call the conservation of mechanical energy.

Key Concepts Covered:

Work-Energy Theorem

Gravitational Potential Energy

Kinetic Energy

Deriving the equation for mechanical energy conservation

Solving a practice problem using these principles

We’ll also solve a practice problem involving a baseball thrown straight up with an initial velocity of 20.0 m/s and find how high it goes—ignoring air resistance. This example will help you apply the concept in a real-world scenario.

Видео Conservation of Mechanical Energy (Gravitational Forces Only) канала BigGamernoob