Question

What are the specific contributors to both an internal and external force? Be specific related to passive and active structures.

Answer 1

The importance of categorizing a force as being either internal or external is related to the ability of that type of force to change an object's total mechanical energy when it does work upon an object. When net work is done upon an object by an external force, the total mechanical energy (KE + PE). The importance of categorizing a force as being either internal or external is related to the ability of that type of force to change an object's total mechanical energy when it doeswork upon an object.

When net work is done upon an object by an external force, the total mechanical energy (KE + PE) of that object is changed.

If the work is positive work, then the object will gain energy. If the work is negative work, then the object will lose energy.

The gain or loss in energy can be in the form of potential energy, kinetic energy, or both. Under such circumstances, the work that is done will be equal to the change in mechanical energy of the object.

Because external forces are capable of

changing the total mechanical energy of an object, they are sometimes referred to as nonconservative forces.that object is changed.

If the work is positive work, then the object will gain energy. If the work is negative work, then the object will lose energy. The gain or loss in energy can be in the form of potential energy, kinetic energy, or both.

Under such circumstances, the work that is done will be equal to the change in mechanical energy of the object. Because external forces are capable of changing the total mechanical energy.

​​energy of an object, they are sometimes

referred to as nonconservative forces.

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