Help Deriving the equation Ek=1/2mv^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the equation for kinetic energy, Ek = 1/2mv^2, within the context of mechanics. Participants are exploring various equations related to energy, work, and motion, while seeking guidance on how to approach the derivation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using energy conservation principles and kinematic equations to derive the kinetic energy expression. Questions arise regarding the origin of Ek and its relation to other equations. Some suggest using Newton's laws and calculus to approach the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various approaches being suggested, including energy conservation and the Work-Energy Theorem. Participants are questioning the validity of the equations they are allowed to use and exploring different methods without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints regarding the equations that participants are permitted to use, and some express uncertainty about the correctness of these equations. The original poster is looking for clues rather than direct solutions.

skull
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Ok these are the equations I am allowed to use.
Ep=mg(delta)h
w=fd
v_av=(delta)d/(delta)t
(delta)d=v1(delta)t^2 + 1/2a(delta)t^2
V2=V1^2 + 2a(delta)d
w=work done(j)
f=force(Newtons)
d=distance(m)
v_av=average velocity
t=time(secs)
v2=final velocity
v1=initial velocity
a=acceleration

Ok, i haven't done anything so far, because I don't know where to start. I am not asking anyone to solve this for me, I'm just asking for some helpful clues
thanks
 
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You could use energy conservation with the potential energy and use kinimatics to find the final speed after a change in height, using that you should get the same answer that you would have gotten with KE so you would be able to derive it. (I hope that was clear)
But that's probably cheating, are you alowed to use cal ? If so than just sum up all of the work done over an interval.
 
Ok, first question, where does the Ek come from. It is not in any other equation, doesn't it have to be in order for me to derive i?
 
anyone know?
 
Using Newton's Law's you can derive the conservation of mechanical energy. In essence you can derive the expression, 1/2mv^2 + mgh = 0. You then define 1/2mv^2 as kinetic energy. Is this what your trying to do?
 
G01 said:
Using Newton's Law's you can derive the conservation of mechanical energy. In essence you can derive the expression, 1/2mv^2 + mgh = 0. You then define 1/2mv^2 as kinetic energy. Is this what your trying to do?

i don't fully understand that part
 
Using Calculus:
Write down Newton #2 (show a time derivative)
Most situations have Force functions that depend on location (x) rather than time.
So multiply Newton#2 by dx, which can switch places with the dv.
Now find the antiderivitive of each side.

Without Calculus:
v^2 = v^2 + 2ax ...
multiply by mass, then replace Fx by Work
 
Last edited:
Ek arises as an interesting quantity from the "Work-[Kinetic]Energy Theorem". Start with Newton-II for the case of a constant net force F_net doing work over a displacement d. Use your kinematic equations for constant acceleration to reveal this interesting quantity.

Before you start, you should really check the correctness of the equations that you were allowed to use... although the errors that appear may just be typos.
 
I was thinking of using the fifth equation (V^2 = ...) and the first one. Look what happens if you divide the fifth equation by 2 and see how the final speed is related to initial height. Multiplying by m should easily let you get to mV^2 / 2
 

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