Conserved Energy vs. Used Energy

  • Thread starter Thread starter 1irishman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, focusing on the meaning of "conserve" in a physics context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the definitions of conserved momentum and kinetic energy, questioning the implications of energy being "kept" versus "used." There are attempts to clarify the meaning of energy in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on fundamental concepts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of conservation, but there is no clear consensus on the understanding of energy and its conservation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and implications of conservation laws, indicating a potential lack of foundational knowledge or clarity on the subject matter.

1irishman
Messages
243
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I do not understand what it means to conserve momentum, or conserve kinetic energy etc.


Homework Equations


the 'laws of conservation.'


The Attempt at a Solution


I think of the word 'conserve' as not using or saving. Please help me understand?
Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
'conserved' in the sense of 'to keep'
Energy is conserved means there is no energy gained or lost in the process.
 
Oh. So...position and/or motion...sorry...i'm still lost here...please help?
 
1irishman said:
Oh. So...position and/or motion...sorry...i'm still lost here...please help?

It's not really clear what you're asking. Can you clarify what you are still having difficulty with? Did you understand what was in mgb_phys's post?
 
What "energy" is gained or lost? Gained or lost from where? What is energy?
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
55
Views
6K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K