Conservation of Energy: Formula & Definition

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The discussion centers on the formula for the conservation of energy, emphasizing that energy cannot be created or destroyed. The key formula mentioned is dE/dt = 0, indicating that the change in energy over time is zero, which implies that the total energy remains constant. This leads to the conclusion that the energy before an event must equal the energy after, represented as Ein = Eout. Participants note the importance of considering various forms of energy, such as potential, kinetic, friction, and heat loss, when applying these principles. The conversation highlights the foundational concept that energy conservation is a fundamental principle in physics.
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What is the formula for conservation of energy?
 
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dE/dT = constant.

Or, if you prefer, the simpler

E = constant.

- Warren
 
Oops, I meant dE/dt = 0, not constant. Of course, zero is a constant...

- Warren
 
If energy can neither be created nor destroyed - than the logical formula would be that energy before would have to equal energy after.

But you must consider potential, kinetic, friction, heat loss ect...j


Nautica
 

Thread 'Mousetrap Car Energy efficiency'

For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...
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