Average Net Force: Kinetic Energy & Momentum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating average net force using concepts from kinetic energy and momentum. Participants explore the relationship between force, distance, and time in the context of physics problems involving motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different methods for calculating average force, including using changes in kinetic energy and momentum. Questions arise about the definitions and implications of averaging in these contexts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants clarifying concepts and confirming understanding of the relationships between kinetic energy, momentum, and average force. Some guidance has been provided regarding the different types of averages that can be calculated.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion around the term "average" and its application in different scenarios, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of the concepts involved.

Maiia
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This is just a general question- Given a beginning and ending velocity, and distance that the object travels, would the average net force be the change in kinetic energy divided by the distance? (Using energy methods only)
I think I've also seen avg force calculated with momentum...
 
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There are (at least) two sorts of average you can take:

If you want to calculate a force averaged over *distance*, you can use the change in kinetic energy, divided by distance: Work =\delta E=F_average * d

If you want to calculate an average over *time*, then that would be given by the change in momentum, divided by the total time: impulse=\delta P= F_average * T
 
so Kef-Kei/d right?
 
Yeah.
 
ah i see- "average" is really misleading b/c u don't add the two numbers..
thanks!
 

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