Mechanical Energy

What is it?

Mechanical energy is a combination of Potential and Kinetic energy. The corresponding amount of mechanical energy has to do with the rate of motion and position of the object. 

Example: When playing Whack-a-Mole you raise the mallet in the air in order to hit the popping gophers. When the mallet is raised it contains Potential energy due to its position in the air. When you swing the mallet down, the Potential energy decreases and kinetic energy increases. These together make up the total Mechanical energy of the mallet.