If an object's kinetic energy is 20 J and its gravitational potential energy is 30 J, what is its mechanical energy?

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Multiple Choice

If an object's kinetic energy is 20 J and its gravitational potential energy is 30 J, what is its mechanical energy?

Explanation:
Mechanical energy equals kinetic energy plus gravitational potential energy. With KE 20 J and gravitational potential energy 30 J, the total mechanical energy is 20 + 30 = 50 J. The other numbers don’t fit because they would require subtracting energies or ignoring one form, whereas mechanical energy is simply the sum of the two.

Mechanical energy equals kinetic energy plus gravitational potential energy. With KE 20 J and gravitational potential energy 30 J, the total mechanical energy is 20 + 30 = 50 J. The other numbers don’t fit because they would require subtracting energies or ignoring one form, whereas mechanical energy is simply the sum of the two.

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