mechanical energy

[TheGross3]

If something is not in motion, can it still possess mechanical energy?

[Symmetryigr8]

This won't sound helpful but in doing so you will probably answer your own question.
Define mechanical energy

[vascop]

yes, I agree, what do you mean by mechanical energy?

[rov1200]

I believe there are instances. In a vehicle crash where it is prevented from travelling any further because of some obstacle, if that was suddenly removed the vehicle would have some forward momentum. Would have to take place in a very short period of time.

[ll_billym]

Yes.

Mechanical energy is the energy which is possessed by an object due to its motion or due to its position. Mechanical energy can be either kinetic energy (energy of motion) or potential energy (stored energy of position). Objects have mechanical energy if they are in motion and/or if they are at some position relative to a zero potential energy position (for example, a brick held at a vertical position above the ground or zero height position). A moving car possesses mechanical energy due to its motion (kinetic energy). A moving baseball possesses mechanical energy due to both its high speed (kinetic energy) and its vertical position above the ground (gravitational potential energy). A World Civilization book at rest on the top shelf of a locker possesses mechanical energy due to its vertical position above the ground (gravitational potential energy). A barbell lifted high above a weightlifter's head possesses mechanical energy due to its vertical position above the ground (gravitational potential energy). A drawn bow possesses mechanical energy due to its stretched position (elastic potential energy).


http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Cla ss/energy/u5l1d.html

[Symmetryigr8]

ll_billym you seem to be saying that all energy is mechanical energy as all energy is either kinetic or potential. Is that what you define as mechanical energy gross?

[ll_billym]

I must admit I just copied that from the good ol' internet without really reading it. I see what you mean now about needing to define mechanical energy. I thought it was a defined term.

Anyway the guy probably finished his homework a long time ago now...