Conservation of Energy in different frame

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conservation of energy as it relates to a train moving at a constant speed, with a boy throwing a ball. The kinetic energy (KE) gain of the ball is calculated from two perspectives: the boy's frame and a stationary observer's frame. The KE gain measured by the boy is 1/2 mv², while the observer measures it as 1/2m(v+u)² - 1/2 mu², resulting in an additional term of muv due to the train's motion. The work done by the boy is consistent across both frames, while the work done by the train is identified as muv, highlighting the importance of frame of reference in energy calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles, particularly kinetic energy.
  • Familiarity with frame of reference concepts in physics.
  • Knowledge of work-energy theorem.
  • Basic algebra for manipulating kinetic energy equations.
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  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail.
  • Explore the concept of reference frames in classical mechanics.
  • Learn about relativistic effects on energy and momentum.
  • Investigate practical applications of kinetic energy calculations in engineering.
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Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and professionals in engineering fields who require a solid understanding of energy conservation principles in different reference frames.

Microzero
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A train moves in a straight at a constant speed u. A boy on the train throw a ball of mass m straight ahead, along the motion of the train, with a speed v with respect to himdelf.
a)What is the KE gain of the ball measured by the boy?
b)What is the KE gain of the ball measured by a man standing by the railroad track?
c)How much work is done by the boy throwing the ball?
d)How much work is done by the train?



a) 1/2 mv^2

b) 1/2m(v+u)^2 - 1/2 mu^2 = 1/2mv^2 +muv

c) measured by the boy: 1/2 mv^2 , measured by the man: 1/2 mv^2

d) measured by the boy: 0 , measured by the man: muv

My fd suggest that there is no workdone by the boy measured by the man, all work is done by the train.

Is there anything wrong in part c and d?
Plz tell me why if I am wrong
 
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.No, your answers for part c and d are correct. The boy does the same amount of work measured by himself and measured by the man standing by the railroad track, which is 1/2 mv^2. The work done by the train is the difference between the kinetic energy gain of the ball measured by the man on the railroad track and the kinetic energy gain of the ball measured by the boy, which is muv.
 

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