Force from a Kinetic Energy Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the process of deriving force from a kinetic energy function, exploring the relationship between kinetic energy and force, particularly in the context of conservative forces and energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the steps needed to derive force from a kinetic energy function, noting the established relationship between conservative forces and potential energy.
  • Another participant suggests that conservation of energy and the work-energy relation are relevant, indicating that additional information beyond kinetic energy and position may be necessary.
  • A third participant points out that the original poster had previously posted a similar question in the homework section, implying a potential redundancy in the inquiry.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about the possibility of creating an infinite loop between the two threads due to the links shared.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express different focuses and concerns regarding the inquiry about deriving force from kinetic energy.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific examples or clarified assumptions regarding the kinetic energy function in question, leaving some aspects of the inquiry unresolved.

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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