Derivatives of Energy: 2nd Time Rate of Change, Useless in Physics?

In summary, the conversation covers the topic of a term used to describe the changing energy per time, known as power. The question is raised about whether there are any corresponding terms for the 2nd time rate of change of energy, similar to the concept of acceleration. While this notion does exist, it is not commonly used in physics as the focus is usually on the amount of energy being delivered at a given moment. However, in the field of engineering, specifically power engineering, the concept of change of power is important. Overall, there is not a specific term for this concept, it is simply referred to as the rate of change of power or global growth in power demand.
  • #1
dsaun777
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I have seen the usage of a term which corresponds to changing energy per time and that would be power. Are there any such corresponding terms that can be described as 2nd time rate of change of energy, a sort of acceleration of energy. Is such a notion non existent in physics and completely useless?
 
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  • #2
dsaun777 said:
a sort of acceleration of energy. Is such a notion non existent in physics and completely useless?
The notion exists - it's the rate of change of power with time - but there aren't that many situations where it's needed. We usually care more about how much energy is being delivered at a given moment then whether it will be more or less a moment later.
 
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  • #3
In race-car performance measuring, for example, not only velocity (1st derivative of position wrt time), and acceleration (2nd derivative), but also, jerk (3rd), and jounce-snap (4th -- rate of change in rate of change of acceleration), are measured for all of the over-time changes and their accumulating results in every part of each of the torque-rpm pictures.
 
  • #4
If you include engineering in physics, then change of power is a concept that, not surprisingly, is a pretty important concept in (electrical) power engineering.
 
  • #5
Filip Larsen said:
If you include engineering in physics, then change of power is a concept that, not surprisingly, is a pretty important concept in (electrical) power engineering.
That's true but we don't have a special word for it. Just "rate of change of power." or "global growth in power demand."
 

Related to Derivatives of Energy: 2nd Time Rate of Change, Useless in Physics?

1. What is the second time rate of change of energy?

The second time rate of change of energy, also known as the second derivative of energy, is a measure of how quickly the rate of change of energy is changing over time. It is calculated by taking the derivative of the first derivative of energy with respect to time.

2. Why are derivatives of energy considered useless in physics?

Derivatives of energy are not considered useless in physics, but they may not always be necessary or relevant for a particular problem. In some cases, the first derivative of energy (rate of change of energy) provides enough information to solve a problem, and the second derivative may not be needed.

3. How are derivatives of energy used in physics?

Derivatives of energy are used in physics to study the behavior and changes of energy over time. They can help us understand the rate at which energy is being transferred or transformed in a system, and can be used to solve problems involving motion, forces, and other physical phenomena.

4. Can derivatives of energy be negative?

Yes, derivatives of energy can be negative. This indicates that the rate of change of energy is decreasing over time, meaning that the energy is being lost or transferred away from the system. However, the total energy of a closed system will always remain constant, as dictated by the law of conservation of energy.

5. How do derivatives of energy relate to the concept of power?

Power is defined as the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. Derivatives of energy can be used to calculate power by taking the product of the first derivative of energy and the velocity of an object. This is because the first derivative of energy represents the rate of change of energy, and velocity represents the rate of change of position, which is directly related to work and power.

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