Error in equation for kinetic energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a misunderstanding of kinetic energy calculations involving constant force and acceleration. It highlights the error in equating work done (F*s) to 2mv^2 instead of the correct (1/2)mv^2. The key point is that the average velocity should be used in the work-energy equation, which is half the final velocity when starting from rest. The participants clarify that for constant acceleration, the relationship between acceleration, time, and velocity must be correctly applied. Ultimately, the correct expression for work done leads to the standard kinetic energy formula.
Hymne
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Okey, let's say we got an object with no start velocity (V_i = 0) which is being pushed by a constant force F, under a certain distance s (during a time intervall dt).
We get through F = ma that
F*s = ma*s = ma*v*dt
We also know that when a is constant (which it is due to the constant force) we got:
a*dt = 2v
which gives us that the work, F*s, equals
2mv^2 instead of (1/2)mv^2
What is wrong?
 
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The object does not travel a finite distance s during the infinitesimal time dt. You are mixing your concepts here.

F*ds = m*a*v*dt

Try taking it from here.
 
Ah, dt says that t_2 - t_1 approaches zero. But let's just use (t_2 - t_1), I still get it wrong :(
F*s = m*a*v*(t_2 - t_1) = m*v*2v = 2mv^2

I assume that over our given time and with our constant force we have a * (t_2 - t_1) = 2*v.
 
Did you know that

a=dv/dt?
 
Hymne said:
Okey, let's say we got an object with no start velocity (V_i = 0) which is being pushed by a constant force F, under a certain distance s (during a time intervall dt).
We get through F = ma that
F*s = ma*s = ma*v*dt
We also know that when a is constant (which it is due to the constant force) we got:
a*dt = 2v
which gives us that the work, F*s, equals
2mv^2 instead of (1/2)mv^2
What is wrong?

You're using "v" to mean the average velocity (= s/dt)

When we say that work = (1/2) m v^2, "v" is the final velocity.

The final velocity is twice the average velocity, they are not equal.
 
Hymne said:
Okey, let's say we got an object with no start velocity (V_i = 0) which is being pushed by a constant force F, under a certain distance s (during a time intervall dt).
We get through F = ma that
F*s = ma*s = ma*v*dt
You here assume that s = v*Δt, but that should be s = vave*Δt, where vave is the average speed. For constant acceleration starting from rest, vave = v/2, where v is the final speed. So really:
F*Δs = ma*Δs = ma*(v/2)*Δt

We also know that when a is constant (which it is due to the constant force) we got:
a*dt = 2v
No, for constant acceleration, starting from rest: a*Δt = v.
which gives us that the work, F*s, equals
2mv^2 instead of (1/2)mv^2
Nope, you get:
F*Δs = ma*Δs = ma*(v/2)*Δt = m*(v/2)*a*Δt = 1/2mv^2.

As expected. :wink:
 
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