Is Momentum the Same as Potential Energy?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between momentum and potential energy, exploring concepts in mechanics such as force, work, and energy derivatives. Participants are examining the definitions and mathematical relationships between these physical quantities.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of equating momentum with potential energy and discussing the derivatives of potential energy and momentum in relation to force. Some are restating concepts to clarify their understanding of integrals and derivatives in the context of work and energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the relationships between force, work, and potential energy, while others are still seeking to understand these connections more clearly.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions of work in relation to time and distance, as well as the mathematical representations of these concepts. Participants are also addressing the implications of assumptions made in their reasoning.

UrbanXrisis
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the derivative of potential energy (inrespects to time) is Force right?

F=-dPE/dt

I also read that the derivative of momentum (inrespects to time) is force.

F=dp/dt

Can I conclude that momentum is Potential Energy?

p=-PE
 
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UrbanXrisis said:
the derivative of potential energy (inrespects to time) is Force right?

F=-dPE/dt
No. This is incorrect. Force is the space derivative of Work or Energy.: F = dW/dx
This is more often seen as Force x distance = work or: dW=Fdx

A good example of this is gravity: PE = mgh. dPE/dh = mg which of couse is the force due to gravity.

dPE/dt = dW/dt = Power or the time rate at which work is done


AM
 
Last edited:
Okay, let me restate then...

the integral of force (inrespects to time) is Impulse right?

∫F=Impulse=p(t)

the derivative of Potential Energy (inrespects to distance) is Force right?

PE'(x)=F(x)


is this correct?
 
Last edited:
Is it true that work in respects to time is the same as the negative Potential Energy?

w(t)=-PE(t)

Is it true that work in respects to distance is the same as the negative Potential Energy?

w(x)=-PE(x)
 
UrbanXrisis said:
Okay, let me restate then...
the integral of force (inrespects to time) is Impulse right?
∫F=Impulse=p(t)
the derivative of Potential Energy (inrespects to time) is Force right?
PE'(t)=F(t)
Then Impulse = PE?

I believe that Andrew was more than clear.The force is the gradient of the potential energy,which involves DERIVATIVES WRT TO SPACE COORDINATES AND NOT WRT TO TIME...So there is no simple connection between momentum and potential energy.To give a clear and hopefully comprehedable example:an apple in a tree has momentum zero (it's speed is zero,as long as the wind's not blowing),but has a potential energy 'mgh',where 'm' is its mass,'g' is the acceleration due to gravity and 'h' is the height above the ground assumed the level with 0 gravitational potential energy.

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
I believe that Andrew was more than clear.The force is the gradient of the potential energy,which involves DERIVATIVES WRT TO SPACE COORDINATES AND NOT WRT TO TIME...So there is no simple connection between momentum and potential energy.To give a clear and hopefully comprehedable example:an apple in a tree has momentum zero (it's speed is zero,as long as the wind's not blowing),but has a potential energy 'mgh',where 'm' is its mass,'g' is the acceleration due to gravity and 'h' is the height above the ground assumed the level with 0 gravitational potential energy.

Daniel.

Yeah, I sort of realized that. It's changed
 
UrbanXrisis said:
Is it true that work in respects to time is the same as the negative Potential Energy?

w(t)=-PE(t)

Is it true that work in respects to distance is the same as the negative Potential Energy?

w(x)=-PE(x)

What do you mean "work in respects to distance".Work is a physical quantity and mathematically it is function which can depend both on the coordinate and time.You might have meant:
[tex]W(x,t)=-E_{pot} (x,t)[/tex] (1)
Compare the definitions and tell me whether (1) is correct:
[tex]W(x,t)=\int F(x,t) dx[/tex] (2)
[tex]F(x,t)=-\frac{dE_{pot}(x,t)}{dx}[/tex](3)

I guess it is.But it's not fair to break the functional dependence and state "work in respects to distance".

Daniel.
 
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I know the integral of force in respects to distance is w(x).
I know that the integral power in respects to time is w(t).

I assumed that w(x)=delta KE(x) = -PE(x)
and that w(t)=delta KE(t) = -PE(t)
 

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