Bar graphs of total energy

Definition

Bar graphs of total energy visually represent the distribution and conservation of energy in a system. Each bar corresponds to different forms of energy (e.g., kinetic, potential) at specific states or times.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bar graphs help illustrate how total mechanical energy is conserved in a closed system.
2. In a bar graph, the height of each bar indicates the magnitude of different types of energy.
3. The principle of conservation of energy states that the total height (total energy) remains constant if no external work is done.
4. Bar graphs can show transformations between kinetic and potential energy without changing the total amount.
5. They are useful for comparing initial and final states in problems involving potential and kinetic energies.

Review Questions

• How does a bar graph demonstrate the conservation of total mechanical energy?
• What information can you gather from the height differences between bars representing potential and kinetic energies?
• Why does the sum of all bars' heights remain constant in an isolated system?

Related terms

Kinetic Energy:

$\text{Kinetic Energy}$ is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated as $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity.

Potential Energy:

$\text{Potential Energy}$ is stored energy due to an object's position or configuration, such as gravitational potential energy $PE = mgh$ where $m$ is mass, $g$ is acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is height.

Conservation of Energy:

$\text{Conservation of Energy}$ is a fundamental principle stating that the total energy in an isolated system remains constant over time.