Conservation of Energy: Formula & Definition

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formula and definition of the conservation of energy, exploring various interpretations and expressions of the concept. It includes theoretical considerations and mathematical representations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the formula dE/dT = constant, suggesting it can be simplified to E = constant.
  • Another participant proposes the equation Ein = Eout as a representation of energy conservation.
  • A later reply corrects the earlier formula to dE/dt = 0, acknowledging that zero is a constant.
  • Another participant emphasizes that if energy cannot be created or destroyed, the logical formula would imply that energy before must equal energy after, while also noting the need to consider various forms of energy such as potential, kinetic, friction, and heat loss.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the formula for conservation of energy, and the discussion remains unresolved with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Some statements depend on specific definitions of energy forms and may not account for all variables involved in energy transformations.

marshall4
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What is the formula for conservation of energy?
 
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dE/dT = constant.

Or, if you prefer, the simpler

E = constant.

- Warren
 
Oops, I meant dE/dt = 0, not constant. Of course, zero is a constant...

- Warren
 
If energy can neither be created nor destroyed - than the logical formula would be that energy before would have to equal energy after.

But you must consider potential, kinetic, friction, heat loss ect...j


Nautica
 

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