How to derive the kinetic formula

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the kinetic energy formula, specifically using the equations of motion. The key equation discussed is Ek = 1/2mv^2, which is derived through work-energy principles and the equations of motion for uniformly accelerated motion. Participants provided various approaches, including using W = Fd and manipulating the equations of motion such as v2 = v1 + at and d = (v1 + v2/2)t. The final consensus is that the work done on an object to accelerate it from rest to speed V equals the kinetic energy gained, confirming that KE = (1/2)mV^2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically kinetic energy and work-energy principles.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion for uniformly accelerated motion.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills to rearrange equations.
  • Knowledge of calculus for advanced derivation methods.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the three standard equations of motion: v2 = v1 + at, d = (v1 + v2/2)t, and d = v1t + 1/2a(t)^2.
  • Learn how to derive kinetic energy using calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Explore the relationship between work and energy in physics, focusing on W = Fd.
  • Investigate alternative methods for deriving kinetic energy without assuming constant acceleration.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those in high school or introductory college courses, as well as educators looking for alternative teaching methods for kinetic energy derivation.

physphys
Messages
23
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


There are other ways to derive the kinetic motion equation. show an alternative way using the equations of motion


Homework Equations



Ek= 1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



W= FD
W= MAD
= m( v2-v1/t)(V1+V2/2) T
= M/2 ( V2^2-V1^2)
= EK= MV^2/2

they need another one with the formulas of motion but i can't solve it. Thanks for the help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
physphys said:

Homework Statement


There are other ways to derive the kinetic motion equation. show an alternative way using the equations of motion


Homework Equations



Ek= 1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



W= FD
W= MAD
= m( v2-v1/t)(V1+V2/2) T
= M/2 ( V2^2-V1^2)
= EK= MV^2/2

they need another one with the formulas of motion but i can't solve it. Thanks for the help

What formulae of motion have you been taught? List them out (there are three (sometimes four) "standard" ones), and you can see which is the relevant one to use.

Note that those all assume uniform acceleration (as did your solution). The derivation of the equation for kinetic energy can be made without this assumption, but it involves basic calculus. I don't think your question is asking you for this method, so we'll stick with the more basic one.
 
yes it's grade 11 physics. These are the ones they are talking about
v2= v1+ at
d= (v1+v2/2)t
d= v1t+ 1/2a(t)^2
d= v2t+1/2a(t)^2
v2^2=v1^2+2ad
 
Maybe something along this, since it is a no-calc approach;

W=F*s
W=m*a*s with angle of attack =0, as with kinetic energy
we have from equation of motion that s=1/2*a*t^2
and also v=a*t
t=v/a
inserting in motion equation;
s=1/2*a*(v/a)^2
inserting this in work formula;
W=m*a*1/2*a*v^2/a^2
W=m*1/2*a^2*v^2/a^2
W=1/2*m*v^2

Just my initial guess, never seen it done :)
 
but isn't w= fd? where did fs come from?
 
physphys said:
but isn't w= fd? where did fs come from?
I'm sorry, here in denmark we use F for force, and s for distance. I take it you use f for force and d for distance of course .. in my previous calculations, s=d :)
 
physphys said:
yes it's grade 11 physics. These are the ones they are talking about
v2= v1+ at
d= (v1+v2/2)t
d= v1t+ 1/2a(t)^2
d= v2t+1/2a(t)^2
v2^2=v1^2+2ad

The last equation is what you want. Set v1 (initial velocity) = 0 (since the particle starts from rest, when KE is zero). Set v2 to be equal to V, the final velocity. Manipulate a little till you have a*d on the right hand side in terms of V^2 on the left hand side.

From W (work which is the same as energy) = Fd and F = ma, you can immediately see W = m*a*d.

Now put that expression for a*d from the previous equation into this one and you'll see that W equals the expression you want. Simply conclude by stating that the work done on the object to bring it from rest to speed V is equal to the KE gained, so KE = (1/2)mV^2.
 
Thanks guys it worked out!
 
physphys said:
Thanks guys it worked out!

Of course, if you can use calculus, this is the best way to do it:

dW = Fdx = ma.dx = m\frac{dv}{dt}.dx = m\frac{dx}{dt}.dv = mv.dv

The second last step involved a change of variable of integration.

Now integrate:

\int_0^{E_k} dW = \int_0^V mvdv \Rightarrow E_k = \frac{1}{2}mV^2.

And it's actually a shorter proof despite it being a more general result (acceleration does not have to be constant here).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K