Conservation of Mechanical Energy (Edexcel A-Level Further Mathematics): Flashcards

When only conservative forces act, total mechanical energy remains constant

Gravity

$KE_{initial} + PE_{initial} = KE_{final} + PE_{final}$

$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$

$PE = mgh$

$h = d \sin \theta$

Remains constant

KE and PE convert, but total energy unchanged

Joules ($J$)

Metres per second ($\text{ms}^{-1}$)