What are the Different Mechanical Energy Examples?

Mechanical energy is energy that comes from any mechanical system; it is usually involved with physical motion and work. Examples include falling weights, the Earth's rotation, pendulums and flowing water. Mechanical energy is the sum of two forms of energy: kinetic energy and potential energy. Potential energy is energy that comes from the position of an object or the configuration of parts of a system; it has yet to be converted to any specific kind of energy. Kinetic energy is energy that exists because of the motion of an object or of the objects in a system.

Many students conduct experiments in high school or college to demonstrate various mechanical energy examples. Falling weights or rotating objects contain mechanical energy, as do pendulums; these are commonly studied in introductory physics courses. Some students also learn about the conversion of energy types, which can be clearly seen in a simple electric motor, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

There are many mechanical energy examples that exist in nature and in the various inventions of mankind. Examples in nature are commonplace. On a very large scale, the motion and rotation of the Earth and other other celestial bodies is mechanical energy. On a smaller scale, the motion of water as it flows in a river or stream is also an example of mechanical energy. Even such simple processes as the falling of stones or the movement of dust in the wind are all a type of mechanical energy.

Humans have devised many ways to generate and make use of mechanical energy, so the machinery designed by humans presents many different mechanical energy examples. Motors present a simple example; they convert one form of energy, usually chemical energy, that is released through combustion into mechanical energy that allows for some form of motion. This is most commonly seen in automobiles, which are primarily propelled by internal combustion engines.

Mechanical energy can also be transformed into different forms of energy; some means of producing electrical energy present good mechanical energy examples. Windmills, for example, convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Mechanical energy is at work when the wind turns the blades of the windmill; this energy is converted into electrical energy.

Even living creatures are full of mechanical energy examples: birds fly, people walk, and fish swim. The human heart uses mechanical energy to pump blood throughout the body. Such energy is even used in simple acts such as lifting objects or blinking.