Fast quick Energy Conservation Question

AI Thread Summary
Energy conservation applies specifically to conservative forces, where mechanical energy (kinetic plus potential) is conserved. In contrast, when non-conservative forces, such as friction, are present, mechanical energy is not conserved as it transforms into other energy forms like heat and sound. Despite this, total energy remains conserved in all scenarios. Therefore, while mechanical energy can be lost due to non-conservative forces, the overall energy in a closed system is always preserved. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing energy transformations in physical systems.
godkills
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
For energy conservation does it apply to both conservative and non conservative forces?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
godkills said:
For energy conservation does it apply to both conservative and non conservative forces?

Mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) is conserved only if conservative forces act. If non-conservative forces act, then the sum of potential + kinetic energy may not be conserved. However, total energy is always conserved. It's just that when non-conservative forces act, the energy is converted into forms other than kinetic or potential.
 
Take friction for example. The kinetic energy is lost in the form of sound and heat. Total energy remains conserved but mechanical energy is lost.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Thread 'Egg Drop Challenge! Need ideas for winning designs'

I was thinking using 2 purple mattress samples, and taping them together, I do want other ideas though, the main guidelines are; Must have a volume LESS than 1600 cubic centimeters, and CAN'T exceed 25 cm in ANY direction. Must be LESS than 1 kg. NO parachutes. NO glue or Tape can touch the egg. MUST be able to take egg out in less than 1 minute. Grade A large eggs will be used.
View full post »

Similar threads

Conservation of Mechanical Energy - Which Equation To Use?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Using conservation of energy and momentum in projectile motion
Replies
18
Views
1K
Helium balloon energy conservation
Replies
15
Views
2K
Energy conservation law question with capacitor
Replies
8
Views
2K
Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
Replies
2
Views
952
Conservation of momentum and mechanical energy on an inclined plane
Replies
19
Views
3K
Is energy conserved is this problem?
Replies
44
Views
3K
Conservation of relativistic energy, collision of particles
Replies
15
Views
1K
Conservation of Energy in Trampoline Bounce
Replies
20
Views
3K
Conservation of String Exercise
Replies
5
Views
696

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top