Exploring Energy Transformations: From Potential to Kinetic and Beyond

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the various energy transformations between gravitational potential energy (gPE), kinetic energy (KE), and strain energy in physical systems. Participants provide examples such as climbing a mountain for KE to gPE and firing an arrow for strain to KE. The conversation highlights the nuances of energy conversion, emphasizing that muscle force directly contributes to gPE when climbing. Additionally, the challenge of identifying real-life examples for strain to gPE and gPE to strain is noted, indicating a gap in practical understanding of these concepts.

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  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy (gPE)
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy (KE) principles
  • Familiarity with strain energy concepts
  • Basic physics of energy transformations
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MY ATTEMPT:

gPE to KE - Water in waterfall
KE to gPE - Climbing mountain
Strain to KE - Firing an arrow
KE to Strain - Trebuchet being wound back
Strain to gPE - ?
gPE to Strain - ?

It is the last 2 for which I really cannot think of instances in life - PLEASE help me out!
 
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hi yeah:)! :smile:
yeah:) said:
KE to gPE - Climbing mountain
KE to Strain - Trebuchet being wound back

I don't really like these answers …

when you climb a mountain (or a ladder), the force from your muscles is immediately converted to gPE … saying that it temporarily becomes KE is missing the point.

Same thing for the trebuchet … your muscles immediately increase the strain in the trebuchet.
Strain to KE - Firing an arrow

erm … that's cheating! :redface: …

it's the same as pulling a bow, which the question has ruled out (the arrow itself has no strain, does it? so the strain is in the bow :wink:)

Try to think of an example where horizontal motion of one thing is converted into strain of another thing (or vice versa). :smile:
Strain to gPE - ?
gPE to Strain - ?

It is the last 2 for which I really cannot think of instances in life - PLEASE help me out!

Try the others again first. :smile:
 
Hi Yeah:)! :smile:
Tiny-Tim,

Thank you for your reply to my thread. How about these:

Kinetic to Strain: wind up a rubber-band powered airplane …

What's kinetic about that? If a cat jumping comes from strain (your last example), doesn't all muscular activity?
Strain to Kinetic: ticking of a mainspring wound wristwatch

Yes. :smile:
Gravitational Pot to Kinetic: release a paper airplane from 2 meters above the ground

yes, but why a paper airplane … it's almost the only thing that wouldn't necessarily lose height to start with! :wink:
Kinetic to Gravitational Pot: bounce a rubber ball off ground to the roof

Why not just throw it up!? :wink:
Gravitational Pot to Strain: jump off a chair and land with knees bent

You're not a grasshopper or a frog … I know the brain etc can put human muscles into strain, but I don't think external forces can.

Why not just step onto scales?
Strain to Gravitational Pot: cat jumps from floor to tabletop.

I suppose so. :smile:
 

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