Understanding the Relationship Between Net Work and Particle Speed"

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In summary, if the net work done on a particle is zero, its speed will remain constant. This is because the work done by a field on the particle is an external influence, and if it is zero, then the final kinetic energy and speed of the particle will remain the same. However, during the particle's motion, the kinetic energy and speed may vary.
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m_scott
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Homework Statement


If the net work done on a particle is zero, what can be said about its speed. And why?



The Attempt at a Solution


is the speed also zero?
 
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  • #2
actually i think its speed be constant? cause no work is being applied.
 
  • #3
The work done in a system is the sum of the kinetic and potential energy of the system. In the case of a particle in a field, we'll consider the particle as the system and the work done by a field as an external influence on the particle.

As such, if the work done by the field is zero, the final kinetic energy of the particle is constant. That means, if over the course of time, the particle is made to follow a circular path, at the beginning and the end of that path, the kinetic energy and thus the speed will be the same. However, during the course of the path, i.e. in the middle of the circle, the kinetic energy may vary.
 

1. What is the relationship between net work and particle speed?

The relationship between net work and particle speed is that net work is the amount of energy transferred to a particle and particle speed is the rate at which the particle is moving. In other words, the net work done on a particle will affect its speed.

2. How does net work affect particle speed?

Net work can either increase or decrease the speed of a particle, depending on the direction of the net force and the displacement of the particle. If the net force and displacement are in the same direction, the net work will increase the particle's speed. If they are in opposite directions, the net work will decrease the particle's speed.

3. Can particle speed affect net work?

Yes, particle speed can affect net work. The amount of net work done on a particle is directly proportional to its speed. This means that the faster a particle is moving, the more net work will be done on it.

4. What is the formula for calculating net work?

The formula for calculating net work is: Net Work = Force x Distance x Cosine of the angle between the force and displacement vectors. This formula takes into account the direction of the net force and displacement, as well as the amount of force and distance traveled.

5. How does understanding the relationship between net work and particle speed benefit scientists?

Understanding the relationship between net work and particle speed allows scientists to better analyze and predict the behavior of particles. It also helps in designing experiments and developing technologies that involve the transfer of energy to particles, such as in the fields of physics, chemistry, and engineering.

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