Which two main forms of mechanical energy are commonly identified in physics?

• A. $\mathrm{Kinetic} \mathrm{energy}$ and $\mathrm{potential} \mathrm{energy}$
• B. $\mathrm{Thermal} \mathrm{energy}$ and $\mathrm{chemical} \mathrm{energy}$
• C. $\mathrm{Electrical} \mathrm{energy}$ and $\mathrm{radiant} \mathrm{energy}$
• D. $\mathrm{Nuclear} \mathrm{energy}$ and $\mathrm{sound} \mathrm{energy}$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that mechanical energy in physics refers to the energy associated with the motion and position of an object.
2. Identify the two main forms of mechanical energy: kinetic energy and potential energy.
3. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, which can be expressed as \(E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2\), where \(m\) is mass and \(v\) is velocity.
4. Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, commonly gravitational potential energy given by \(E_p = m g h\), where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is height.
5. Recognize that other forms of energy like thermal, chemical, electrical, radiant, nuclear, and sound energy are not classified as mechanical energy.