Force from a Kinetic Energy Function

AI Thread Summary
To derive force from a kinetic energy function, one must utilize the principles of conservation of energy and the work-energy relation. The force in a conservative field is determined as the negative gradient of the potential energy function, which requires more information than just kinetic energy alone. The discussion emphasizes that motion does not need to be linear for these calculations. An example illustrating this relationship would clarify the process further. Overall, understanding the connection between kinetic energy, potential energy, and force is crucial for solving related problems.
Dustinc
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Say you're given a function that represents the kinetic energy of some object, what would you have to do to derive the force from that function? I know that for motion along a straight line a conservative force F(x) is the negative derivative of its associated potential energy function U, but what is there to do if the function is one of kinetic energy?
 
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Conservation of energy and the work-energy relation will be useful in such cases.
You usually will need more information than kinetic energy with position alone.
Do you have an example.

Note: For a conservative field, the force on an object at a position is the negative gradient of the potential energy function at that position. Motion does not have to be along a straight line.
 
You posted this same thing in the homework section. :confused:
I mean the OP, of course.
 
Ok, now we have an infinite loop. :smile:
I can go forever between the two threads, by using your links.
 

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