Derivative of the kinetic energy

In summary, taking the derivative of the kinetic energy of a particle with respect to its velocity results in momentum. This can be seen through the equation K=mv, where both kinetic energy and momentum have the same variables and units.
  • #1
watsup91749
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Derivative of the kinetic energy...

Homework Statement


If you take the derivative of the kinetic energy of a particle with respect to its velocity you get...
A) force
B) momentum
C) acceleration
D) mass
E) potential energy

Homework Equations


K= .5mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Im in pre calc right now and i have no idea how to take the derivative of anything, quick google searching led me to believe that its a calculus thing, so it would be really helpfull if someone could explain how to do this..
 
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  • #2
If you have

[tex]y=kx^n[/tex]

and you want to find the derivative of that with respect to x,denoted as [itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex]

it is simply

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=knx^{n-1}[/tex]Where k is a constant
 
  • #3
I think the answer is B momentum, is that right? momentum has p=mv and kinetic energy has the same variables, so it must be B right?
Also K=mv^(2-1) would be the same as K=mv which is the the same as momentum, is this correct?
 
  • #4
[tex]\frac{dK}{dv}=mv[/tex] which is momentum so you are correct.
 
  • #5
You could also exploit the notation and think about it in terms of units.

[tex]dK/dv = [\frac{kg * m^2/s^2}{m/s}] = [kg * m/s][/tex]
 

1. What is the definition of the derivative of kinetic energy?

The derivative of kinetic energy is defined as the rate of change of kinetic energy with respect to time. It represents the instantaneous change in kinetic energy at a particular moment in time.

2. How is the derivative of kinetic energy related to velocity?

The derivative of kinetic energy is directly related to velocity because kinetic energy is defined as 1/2 times the mass of an object multiplied by its velocity squared. Therefore, the derivative of kinetic energy is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its velocity.

3. Can the derivative of kinetic energy be negative?

Yes, the derivative of kinetic energy can be negative. This means that the kinetic energy is decreasing over time, which could happen if an object is slowing down or losing energy due to external forces like friction.

4. How is the derivative of kinetic energy calculated?

The derivative of kinetic energy is calculated by taking the derivative of the velocity with respect to time. This can be done using the power rule, where the velocity term is multiplied by the exponent of 2 and the exponent is reduced by 1.

5. What is the significance of the derivative of kinetic energy in physics?

The derivative of kinetic energy is significant in physics because it helps us understand the changes in an object's kinetic energy over time. It is also used in many equations and principles, such as the work-energy theorem and the law of conservation of energy.

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