Energy Definition and 999 Threads

  1. F

    Internal Energy of an Ideal Gas

    a) We use the definition of heat transfer in a gas at constant volume: Q = n*C_v*delta_T = (0.01 mol)(12.47 J/mol*K)(40 K) = 4.99 J b) We use the definition of heat transfer in a gas at constant pressure: Q = n*C_p*delta_T = (0.01 mol)(12.47 J/mol*K)(40 K) = 8.31 J c) In both processes delta_U...
  2. Tertius

    I Is Entropy the inexorable conversion of potential to kinetic energy?

    I know the math behind these, and I'm happy to use more precise language if needed, I just wanted to get some input on this sweeping generalization that entropy is the conversion of potential to kinetic energy. A brief summary of two important branches of entropy: 1) thermodynamics - the total...
  3. Melbourne Guy

    B XENON1T and possible dark energy detection

    I can't see that this recent news has been discussed on PF, but the XENON1T dark matter detection collaboration is now suggesting that it has instead detected dark energy. They openly note speculation about what may have caused these results in the paper, but I'm more wondering if it adds weight...
  4. Anonymous243

    Electrostatic potential energy of a non-uniformly charged sphere

    Hi, I'm new here, so I don't know how to write mathematical equations, and I may not be fully aware of the rules here, so I'm sorry if I made a mistake. I know how to calculate the electrostatic potential energy of a countable number of charged particles, but I don't know how to calculate the...
  5. V

    Temperature rise without heat energy?

    If I look at the specific heat equation mentioned, then I would be inclined to think that without heat energy being added to the gaseous mass its temperature cannot rise. But, if some form of energy like chemical energy in gaseous mass could be directly converted to internal energy of the same...
  6. V

    Energy transformations in an IC engine cylinder

    A drop of fuel is ignited in an engine cylinder, that produces heat, light and sound energies from the chemical energy stored in the drop of oil. What I am not clear about is how heat energy gets transformed into mechanical work? I think the heat energy produced from ignition flows from burnt...
  7. MattGeo

    I Reference Frame, Difference in Kinetic Energy, Fuel Consumed

    Say 2 cars are traveling side by side at 10 m/s in some flat, wide open space. Relative to each other they are stationary. Relative to someone on the ground they are both moving at 10 m/s. Now say you're in 1 of the cars and you see the other car accelerate, changing his velocity by 10 m/s in...
  8. Dario56

    Owens - Wendt Model for Surface Energy of Solid - Liquid Interface

    Owens - Wendt model is used for calculating surface energy on liquid - solid interface and it is given by following equation: $$ \gamma_{sl} = \gamma_s + \gamma_l -2(\sqrt {\gamma_l^d \gamma_s^d} + \sqrt {\gamma_l^p \gamma_s^p}) $$ So, if we use liquid and solid of known surface energy as well...
  9. Danimal

    Potential Energy Storage: Investigating the Mechanics of a Heavy Weight Drop

    I read about a proposal for storing potential energy by hoisting heavy weights that can be dropped when needed to generate electric power. So using the numbers from a hydraulic turbine from Hoover dam, how heavy would a hanging weight have to be to generate 178,000 horsepower as it descended...
  10. Mayhem

    Zero-point energy of diatomic hydrogen (particle in a box)

    If we take ##H_2## as a "particle" in a box, can the zero-point energy of the overall molecule be calculated as the sum of the zero-point energies of all particles in ##H_2##? That is $$E_ {1,H_2}=\frac{2h^2}{8m_{\mathrm{H^+}}L^2} + \frac{2h^2}{8m_{\mathrm{e^-}}L^2}=...
  11. F

    Potential Energy of three charged particles

    I set up an equation for the sum of all the potential energies and when cancelling out ##k## and ##q^2##, I got ##\frac{1}{0.05}-\frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{0.05-x}=0##. However, this has no solutions, so I must've gone wrong somewhere. Could someone just give me a hint, not a solution, that would put...
  12. amjad-sh

    I Single-slit diffraction experiment and the conservation of energy

    In a single-slit diffraction experiment, a monochromatic light of wavelength ##\lambda## is passed through one slit of finite width ##D## and a diffraction pattern is observed on screen. For a screen located very far away from the slit, the intensity of light ##I## observed on the screen in...
  13. V

    Confusing definition of electrical potential energy

    If the book had said that electrical potential energy is the negative of work done by electrical force on a charge, then the definition would be very clear and easy to understand. So, why should the book give this confusing definition instead.
  14. R

    B Why exactly do Virtual Particles not violate Conservation of energy?

    Recently I've read more about virtual particles and at first I tought that there were only doubts that virtual particles are not interpretable with the help of uncertainty principle. Furthermore it can't be used an an "excuse" for the temporary violation of the conservation of energy. Can...
  15. S

    B L = 0 in the equation for effective potential energy?

    Hi, What would happen if I set L in this equation to zero? I can have an L that is zero right?
  16. L

    What factors determine wattage of electrons flowing through a wire?

    Preface: I am new to physics and am trying to learn on my own, though I hope to take a class soon. I looked for a forum for beginners but didn't see one, but this seemed to be the closest forum. So I hope I can get some help with my question here. If it is the wrong forum, feel free to...
  17. R

    Misunderstanding of Gravitational Potential Energy

    Here is my solution, which is correct. The tilt of the water at the top can be described in terms of ##x## and ##y## as ##y = \frac{2y_0}{L}x##. The height of the water at any given x is then equal to ##h + \frac{2y_0}{L}x## where ##x \in [-\frac{L}{2}, \frac{L}{2}]##. So the potential...
  18. Andrew1235

    Conservation of energy for a series of elastic collisions

    The speed of the block after the nth collision is $$ V_n=(2e)^n*v_0 $$ By conservation of energy the block travels a distance $$V_n^2/(2ug)$$ on the nth bounce. So the total distance is $$ d=1/(2ug)∗(v_0^2+(2ev_0)^2...) $$ $$ d=1/(2ug)∗(v_0^2/(1−4e^2)) $$ $$ d=1/(2ug)∗(v_0^2∗M^2/(M^2−4m^2))...
  19. B

    Expressions for energy & entropy from free energy (discrete distribution)

    So just by by using the definition of the partition function... $$ Z = \sum_i e^{ \frac {-E_i} {k_BT} } = e^{ \frac {-0} {k_BT} } + e^{ \frac {-\epsilon} {k_BT} } = 1 + e^{ \frac {-\epsilon} {k_BT} } $$ And then, a result we obtained in class by using the Boltzmann H factor to solve for ##S##...
  20. T

    Exponential potential energy state diagram

    It is my second "energy state diagram problem" and I would want to know if I am thinking correctly. First I have done some function analysis to get a glimpse of the plot: - no roots but ##\lim\limits_{x\to-\infty}U(x)=\lim\limits_{x\to+\infty}U(x)=0## - y interception: ##U(0)=-U_0## - even...
  21. K

    What's the source of increase in rotational energy of carousel?

    A carousel has the shape of a circular disc with radius 1.80 m and a mass of 300 kg. There are two people with masses of 30 and 45 kg out on the edge while carousel rotates with the angular speed 0.6 rad / s. The people move towards the center of the carousel Calculations show that the...
  22. elcaro

    I Energy conservation in an expanding universe

    The total amount of energy is still a conserved quantity, even in an expanding universe based on a positive and constant energy density, and even under the rapid exponential expansion during inflation, total amount of energy is conserved. For how this works, see this lecture by Alan Guth, the...
  23. vel

    Energy loss of damped oscillator

    yeah, I don't even know how to start
  24. U

    Some help in understanding energy conservation

    While I am working through proving the homework statement, I encountered a problem. The problem is as follows: From the energy equation above, one can see that the minimum value of ##p## is ##m_T##. However, how does one explain why when ##p=m_T##, ##\sqrt{m^2_B+m^2_T}>m_A##?
  25. S

    Magnetic energy density, and pressure due to magnetic force

    Hi, The problem I am working on requires me to work out the the pressure on the outer conductor of a coaxial cable due to the current on the inner one. This cable carries a dc current of 5000 Amps on the inner wire of radius 2 cm. The outer cylindrical wire of radius 5cm carries the return...
  26. Solitron

    Battery - theoretical specific energy

    I want to learn how to calculate maximum theoretical specific energy of various battery combinations consisting of a single metal and single oxidant, like for example Sodium - Sulfur, Potassium - Sulfur or even crazy stuff like Rubiddium - Iodine. I asked this question on stackexchange but I...
  27. P

    I Is energy always conserved in a co-rotating frame?

    Is energy always conserved in a co-rotating/accelerating frame?
  28. nazmulhasanshipon

    Comparing energy lost by the battery & energy gained by the capacitor.

    Imagine the two terminal of a *parallel-plate capacitor* are connected to the two terminal of a battery with electric potential difference #V#. If the capacitance of the capacitor is #C#, and the area of each plate is $A$. In this process would the energy lost by the battery and the stored...
  29. P

    I Is there a negative sign in front of the centrifugal potential energy?

    In orbital mechanics, the effective potential is given by ##\frac {1} {2} m r^2 w^2##, which can be expressed in terms of angular momentum ##L## which is conserved. Yet, https://web.njit.edu/~gary/321/Lecture17.html apparently shows the centrifugal potential as the negative of the above...
  30. dlgoff

    Generac PWRcell energy storage system

    I'm curious about the ads I've been seeing on TV about these Energy Storage Systems. Anyone have any knowledge about them? image from https://sunwatts.com/20-2-kwh-generac-pwrcell-energy-storage-system/ Thanks in advance
  31. C

    B Conservation of energy and magnetism

    Please redirect me to the correct part of thr forum if this is the wrong place When we lift up an object n then let it fall back, then potential energy - > kinetic energy If I drop a magnet onto another magnet with like pole facing each other (that sits on the floor), the falling one maybe...
  32. P

    I Question about n rotating parallel cylinders

    There are n vertical identical parallel identical cilinders rotating around their length axes with the same angular velocity. The are somehow fixed wrt to Earth and brought together (on a rail?). After the contact there is no slipping and the cilinders are coupled to their neighbor cilinders. It...
  33. E

    Here is a 3D model I made of a large industrial steam turbine

    This is a 3D model I made of a large industrial steam turbine. It was modeled after one of the turbines at the Port Richmond generating station in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I plan on modeling the entire turbine hall of that power plant, but that will take several months, at least. The program...
  34. G

    I Usable energy from alpha particles?

    Please excuse my physics ignorance. Can usable energy be extracted from alpha particles? Perhaps in a manner similar to a photovoltaic panel producing power when exposed to light? Thank you.
  35. warhammer

    Work & Energy (Question on Classical Mechanics/Slope based Problems)

    I used the Change in Kinetic Energy and equated that with the Work Done. The "Work Done" part comprises of two different functions- one is work done by Gravitational Force while the other is the work done by frictional force (or the brakes). /Delta KE (magnitude wise)= 0.5*1350* (20^2)=270,000...
  36. P

    Force & Energy Changes of Air by Helicopter

    Solution 1: Force on air = Force on helicopter. ##F = \frac {dp} {dt} = v \frac {dm} {dt} = v^2 \rho A## ##P = Fv = \rho A v^3## Solution 2: Power from helicopter converted to rate of kinetic energy increase of air ##P = \frac {dE} {dt} = \frac {1} {2} v^2 \frac {dm} {dt} = \frac 1 2 \rho A...
  37. burian

    B Relating displacements in a pulley system

    > The set up: At left end, the rope is pulled down with a distance $dx_1$ by a force of constant magnitude $F$, the mass of $M$ is wrapping around by rope on the right and moves up by a distance $dx_2$ due to this. Problem: Find relate the two displacements. I thought of applying energy...
  38. Ranku

    I What are the Misconceptions Surrounding Virtual Particles?

    Are the typical energies of virtual particles lower than real particles?
  39. P

    I Confusion over the "centrifugal potential energy"

    I understand that potential energies are energies relative to reference points. For example, gravitational/electrical potential energy is relative to a point at infinity. What is the reference point for centrifugal potential energies? In the case of planetary orbits, must the reference point...
  40. J

    I Do measurements modify angular momentum and energy?

    While physics is generally believed to be CPT symmetric, there are processes for which such symmetry is being questioned - especially the measurement. One of examples of (allegedly?) going out of QM unitary evolution is atom deexcitation - we can save its reversibility by remembering about...
  41. Mohammad-gl

    A Does strain affect on-site energy?

    I want to study strain effects on the one material which has non-zero on-site energy . Does strain affects on-site energies?
  42. M

    How to compute how much energy is released in nuclear fusion?

    I thought the first step is to compute the loss of mass. ##\Delta m=m(_1^2\textrm{H})+m(_1^3\textrm{H})-m(_2^4\textrm{He})-m(_0^1\textrm{n})=2.0141018u+3.0160493u- 4.0026033u-1.0086650u=0.0188828u##. The corresponding reaction energy is ##0.0188828 \cdot 931,5MeV=17.54MeV\approx 2.81\cdot...
  43. Leo Liu

    Equation connecting potential and potential energy of a distribution

    The equation below allows us to calculate the potential energy of a continuous distribution of electric charge. $$U=\frac {\epsilon_0} 2 \iiint\limits_\text{Entire electric field}\vec E^2\,dV$$ In my textbook, the author states $$U=\frac 1 {8\pi\epsilon_0}\iiint\limits_\text{Entire electric...
  44. P

    B Energy loss in the beam of LHC

    Generally, one would expect the beam to lose its content (energy or particles) if it hits anything before its reaching its target. The whole idea of maintaining (conventional) vacuum using pumps or other means is to minimize that loss. But is it possible that there could be a beam loss purely...
  45. Ebi Rogha

    I Vacuum energy and Energy conservation

    Also, I have heard from physicists that vacuum energy fluctuation (creation and destruction of virtual particles) violates energy conservation. The reason, they justify, is based on uncertainty principle (energy-time form of uncertainty principle), energy can exist and disappear for a very short...
  46. Svend

    A How to derive the Momentum and Energy Operators from first principles?

    So we all know that the form of the momentum operator is: iħd/dx. And for energy it is iħd/dt. But how do we derive these operators? The only derivations of the i have seen is where the schrødinger equation was used, but that makes the logic circular, because the Schrødinger-Equation is derived...
  47. Dario56

    I Why Does Molecular Potential Energy Curve Have That Specific Shape?

    Molecular potential energy of hydrogen in dependence with atomic distance for bonding orbital is given by picture below. We can see that at large distances force between atoms is attractive and potential energy drops to minimum which corresponds to bond energy and length. This part of the...
  48. Dario56

    Why is Material Toughness the Ability to Absorb Energy Before Fracture?

    Toughness is defined as ability of material to absorb energy when deforming before fracture. Materials with high ductility and strength will have high toughness. What is meant by ability of material to absorb energy? What is connection between strength, ductility and ability to absorb energy so...
  49. T

    I HVAC dehumidifier energy wastage

    Hi. Anybody every wondered why we pay to run dehumidifiers in cold climates, when so much moisture could be condensed through the use of outside air temperature/transfer ..ie look at the condensation on your windows ! ...(summer months ...open a window or just circulate outside air). Of course...
  50. P

    I An Alternative explanation for energy loss due to Eddy currents

    Explanation 1: Eddy currents induced, energy loss due to joule heating. Explanation 2: Eddy currents induced, induced magnetic dipole formed. Energy is lost as work has to be done to overcome the attractive/repulsive force due to the magnet and the induced magnetic dipole from the eddy...
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