Chapter 4.3, Problem 29R

To determine

To identify: whether each of the following is a form of mechanical energy: elastic potential energy, chemical potential energy, gravitational potential energy.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:Mechanical energyis the total kineticenergy and potential energy of the objects in a system.

By definition, mechanical energyis the sum of the kinetic energy and potential energy of the objects in a system.

Mechanical energy of an object includesits kinetic energy, elastic potential energy, and gravitational potential energy. Other forms of energy, such as nuclear energy, thermal energy, orchemicalpotential energy is not included.

Since, mechanical energy is energy due to motion or position of an object, it includes elastic potential energy, gravitational potential energy and not chemical potential energy as the chemical energy is due to the bonds between the atoms and not due to the position.

Conclusion: Elastic potential energy and gravitational potential energy are forms of mechanical energy, and chemical potential energy is not.