Given some body with a constant force F acting on it upwards

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of a constant upward force acting on a body subject to gravitational force. Participants explore the implications for kinetic energy and the application of the Work-Kinetic Energy theorem, considering various scenarios of force magnitude relative to gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the change in total energy, which includes both kinetic and potential energy, equals the total work done on the body.
  • Others question how gravity affects the change in kinetic energy when the upward force is small.
  • A participant emphasizes that to apply the Work-Kinetic Energy theorem, the net force, including gravity, must be considered.
  • One participant provides a mathematical expression for the change in kinetic energy, relating it to the work done by the upward force and the change in gravitational potential energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of gravitational force in the context of the Work-Kinetic Energy theorem, with some asserting the necessity of including gravity in calculations while others raise questions about its influence under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of small versus large forces.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of varying magnitudes of the upward force relative to gravitational force, leaving assumptions about the conditions under which gravity's effects can be neglected or included open to interpretation.

xmjolx
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Given some body with a constant force F acting on it upwards
(The body is subject to the gravitational force due to the earth)
What's the correct statement?

gif.gif


Or:

gif.gif


K - Kinetic Energy
 
Last edited:
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Think about how the potential energy changes with [itex]\Delta{x}[/itex]. The change in total energy, which includes both kinetic and potential energy, will equal the total amount of work done on the body.

You might also find it helpful to consider the cases: F is only very slightly larger than mg; and F is so large relative to mg that we can ignore the effects of gravity.
 
what if F is small?
how come gravity has no affect on the change in kinetic energy?
 
xmjolx said:
Given some body with a constant force F acting on it upwards
(The body is subject to the gravitational force due to the earth)
What's the correct statement?

gif.gif


Or:

gif.gif


K - Kinetic Energy
If you want to apply the "Work - KE" theorem, you must use the net force on the body. That net force must include gravity.
 
Doc Al said:
If you want to apply the "Work - KE" theorem, you must use the net force on the body. That net force must include gravity.

So
gif.gif
is the right statement?
 
xmjolx said:
So
gif.gif
is the right statement?
Yes.
 
Thank you very much! :)
i knew it was the right answer but i had an argument with my high school teacher(she claims to have Ph.D in physics) about that.
 
Multiply out the rhs, then
[tex]\Delta K = F \Delta x - mg \Delta x.[/tex]
Identifying the terms on the right as work or energy:
[tex]\Delta K = work\;done\;by\;F - \Delta (grav\;potential\;energy).[/tex]
 

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