The energy possessed by a body due to the work done on it is called as mechanical energy. Work is done on a body when the body is displaced. So, the energy gained by a body due to its state of motion (during displacement) or due to its position (at the end of displacement) is known as mechanical energy.
Mechanical energy is of two types –
(i) Kinetic energy – Energy possessed by a body due its motion or movement.
Example : Flowing water, wind possess kinetic energy.
(ii) Potential energy – Energy possessed by a body due to its position.
It is of two types –
(a) Gravitational potential energy – Energy possessed by a body due to its raised position (height). Work is done to raise a body to a certain height against the pull of gravity.
Example : Mango on a tree, flower pot placed on a balcony possess gravitational potential energy.
(b) Elastic potential energy – Energy that gets stored in a body when the body is stretched, compressed or bent.
Example : A stretched bow, a winded spring of toy and coiled spring used in watches possess stored elastic potential energy.
