Conservation of Energy graph help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the graphical representation of potential energy versus kinetic energy, specifically addressing the expected shape of the graph and the implications of different slopes. Participants explore theoretical aspects of energy conservation in a system without losses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the expected shape of the graph, suggesting it should be a parabola rather than linear.
  • Another participant asserts that, assuming no energy losses, the relationship between potential and kinetic energy is linear with a downward slope of 45 degrees.
  • A participant inquires about the implications of their graph showing an upward trend instead of the expected downward trend.
  • Another response suggests that an upward trend may indicate a misassignment of the direction of potential energy, providing an example of an object falling in a vacuum to illustrate potential energy decreasing and kinetic energy increasing.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the inclusion of negative gravity in their calculations for potential energy, particularly in relation to their upward-sloping graph.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the expected shape of the graph, with differing views on whether it should be linear or parabolic. There is also uncertainty regarding the implications of an upward slope in the graph.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the system, such as the absence of energy losses and the definition of potential energy, are not fully clarified. The discussion also lacks resolution on the correct treatment of gravitational effects in the calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students or individuals studying energy conservation, graphical analysis in physics, or those seeking clarification on potential and kinetic energy relationships.

Physlearner34
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What should a graph of potential energy versus kinetic energy look like. My graph is linear but I'm pretty sure it should look like a parabola.
 
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Assuming no losses, then total energy is a constant, and

potential_energy + kinetic_energy = total_energy

So the graph of potential versus kinetic energy is a linear graph with a downwards slope of 45 degrees.
 
What does it mean if my graph is going up instead of down?
 
Physlearner34 said:
What does it mean if my graph is going up instead of down?
Most likely that you've assigned the wrong direction to potential energy. Assume some object is in a vacuum, motionless, at some height "h". The potential energy = m g h. If you let the object fall, potential energy decreases, and kinetic energy increases.
 
My graph is going upward with a large slope. Am I suppose to include the negative gravity in my calculations for potential energy?
 

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