Kinetic energy and potential energy concept question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE), particularly in the context of lifting a book at constant speed and its analogy to an emf source. Participants are exploring the relationship between KE and PE and questioning how energy conservation applies in these scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand why lifting a book at constant speed results in constant KE and changing PE, while questioning the need for KE to equal PE for energy conservation. They also inquire about the analogy with an emf source and the implications of work done in these contexts.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide insights into the differences between lifting and falling scenarios, noting that work is done when lifting a book, which increases its PE. Others express confusion regarding the concept of zero work in an emf source while observing changes in energy forms, indicating a productive exploration of these concepts without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of energy conservation principles and the implications of work done in different physical situations, particularly in relation to the definitions and behaviors of KE and PE.

channel1
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i need a review. why does lifting a book at a constant speed result in a constant KE but changing PE? obviously KE = 1/2 mv^2 but I am looking for a conceptual answer. doesn't KE need to equal PE for energy to be conserved?

im in e&m right now and there's a statement in my book saying that the book situation is analogous to potential within an emf source. so W = 0 (work done on a test charge within an ideal emf source), U is increased, and KE is constant. but in the book analogy doesn't the book have to be moving in the +/- x direction for W = 0?

so to summarize i have two questions, (1) concerns how energy is conserved with a constant KE but changing U and (2) concerns how W = 0 if there is a changing U

please answer both questions in terms of the book analogy AND the emf source! thanks in advance :)
 
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channel1 said:
i need a review. why does lifting a book at a constant speed result in a constant KE but changing PE? obviously KE = 1/2 mv^2 but I am looking for a conceptual answer.
Lifting a book is a quite different situation to a falling book. :smile: In lifting it, you are doing work all the while, so you are increasing its potential energy by moving it higher.

doesn't KE need to equal PE for energy to be conserved?
For something falling, its PE is converted into KE. No extra work is being done on the system. One form of energy is being converted into the other. And that KE all gets wasted when the book hits the floor.
 
that makes sense but how is there zero work being done in an emf source yet there is a changing KE and static PE? :/ its almost like the falling book situation and lifting book situation combined...
 
strike that, reverse it :) changing PE, static KE
 

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