A system has a total mechanical energy of 350 J and kinetic energy of 220 J. What is its potential energy?

1 Answer
May 21, 2018

#"potential energy" =130 J#

Explanation:

A system's total mechanical energy is the sum of its kinetic energy and its potential energy. Therefore

#"total mechanical energy" = "kinetic energy" + "potential energy"#

Plugging in our data

#350 J = 220 J + "potential energy"#

Solving for #"potential energy"#

#"potential energy" = 350 J - 220 J =130 J#

I hope this helps,
Steve