Is Kinetic Energy Derived from an Integral and Work Done?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of kinetic energy and its relationship to work done, specifically through the lens of calculus and Hooke's Law. The participant successfully demonstrates that the energy stored in an elastic rope can be expressed as (λe²)/(2l) by integrating the work done in stretching the rope. They further inquire whether the kinetic energy formula, 1/2mv², can also be derived from an integral, suggesting a connection to the work-energy principle. The integration of force with respect to displacement is confirmed as a valid approach to understanding these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and elastic potential energy
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, specifically integration
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle in mechanics
  • Concept of kinetic energy and its mathematical representation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of kinetic energy from the work-energy theorem
  • Explore the relationship between force, work, and energy in physics
  • Learn about calculus applications in physics, particularly integration techniques
  • Investigate the implications of Hooke's Law in real-world elastic materials
USEFUL FOR

Students studying mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of energy concepts in classical mechanics.

RoryP
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Hi all,
I was doing an A-level Mechanics paper the other day and one of the quesitons was to show that, starting with Hookes law T=(lambda)(x)/(l), show that the energy stored in an elastic rope is (lambda)(e2)/(2l).
This was ok, I just said that energy stored would be equal to the sum of the work done stretching the rope a small distance δx and as δ tended to zero it would be dx. Which could be re-written as integral with limits e and 0 dx.
Which leads to the equation for elastic potential energy.
After doing this i realized that kinetic energy is in a similar form, i.e power of 2 and has a multiplying factor of 1/2 which leads me to my question, is 1/2mv2 the result of an integral? Has it also got something to do with work done? but with respect to v?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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dW = f*dx = m*a*dx = m*dv/dt*dx = m*v*dv ( since dx/dt = v)
Take the integration between 0 to v.
 
ok brilliant thanks! what is dW? respect to work done?
 
Yes.
 

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