Episode 7 — Potential & Kinetic Energy

Energy Transfers in Mechanical Systems

Learners will be able to:

• Define a mechanical system and identify examples of mechanical energy transfers • Identify the parts of a pulley-and-rope system and describe its energy transfers • Describe the energy transfers taking place as a person swings on a swing • Describe the energy transfers of a ball thrown vertically into the air, including where its potential and kinetic energy are greatest • Identify the forms of potential energy involved in examples such as chopping wood and firing a bow and arrow • Identify wasted/dissipated energy in mechanical systems