Integrals and potential energy

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the interpretation of an equation related to potential energy gained by an object falling a distance of 100,000 units. Participants explore the mathematical representation of potential energy and its relation to integrals, while also addressing the clarity of communication between physics and mathematics educators.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the equation accurately describes the potential energy gained by an object falling a specified distance.
  • Another participant suggests that the equation should include a negative sign and identifies the variables m1 and m2 as representing the mass of the Earth (or a planet) and the mass of the object, respectively.
  • Some participants clarify that the equation describes the increase in potential energy when moving from a radius r to (r + 100,000), or the decrease in potential energy when moving in the opposite direction.
  • There is a concern expressed about the qualifications of educators in physics and mathematics, highlighting a perceived lack of understanding of fundamental concepts necessary for teaching these subjects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct interpretation of the equation and its components, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on the matter.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential confusion regarding the terminology used by educators and the implications of the integral in the context of potential energy, which may affect understanding.

Praestrigiator
Messages
27
Reaction score
2
Does the equation
http://m.imgur.com/2KAADas
Accurately describe the potential energy gained by an object falling by 100,000 units?
I asked my physics teacher and he said he didn't know enough about integrals to answer it.
I asked my math teacher and she just asked "Are you trying to find the area under that curve?" and I'm not thinking about it graphically so I honestly have no idea what the 'curve' she's talking about is.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I believe m1 should be mass of the earth(or a planet) and m2 should be mass of the object and there should be a '-' sign before the integral.
 
Praestrigiator said:
Equation didn't link properly
Here it is
http://m.imgur.com/2KAADas
As cnh1995 indicated, it describes the increase in potential energy of an object that is moved r to (r +100000), or the decrease in potential energy of an object moved from (r + 100000) to r.
 
Chestermiller said:
As cnh1995 indicated, it describes the increase in potential energy of an object that is moved r to (r +100000), or the decrease in potential energy of an object moved from (r + 100000) to r.
You two are right, I messed up my wording.
It is indeed, the Potential energy that would be gained by moving from r to (r+100,000)
or the Kinetic energy gained (Potential energy lost) by falling in the opposite direction
 
cnh1995 said:
I believe m1 should be mass of the earth(or a planet) and m2 should be mass of the object and there should be a '-' sign before the integral.
Yeah, that's what M1 and M2 mean here, but other than that and how I bungled the wording, it is correct?
 
Yes that's right. It is disappointing that we have come to a situation where someone has the job of teaching physics when they don't understand the basic tools you need to do physics, and someone has the job of teaching mathematics when they don't seem to be able to apply mathematical tools to elementary problems in mechanics.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Chestermiller

Similar threads

Undergrad What is the zero point for Potential Energy and how to find it from integral limits?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Looking for a trajectory integrator that also supports cubic potential
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Change of coordinates in a potential energy field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Work-Energy Theorem for Moving Block and Spring System?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad System, potential energy, and nonconservative forces
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Principle of Physics: Derivation of -dU/dx=F
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Undergrad The far reaching ramifications of the work-energy theorem
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Graduate Adding a constant to potential energy doesn't change action?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does the Integral of Force Relate to Potential Energy?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Does potential energy curve spacetime?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K