Kinetic Energy and Work to stop a particle

In summary, the statement suggests that the work required to stop a particle with kinetic energy 10J is actually 10J if energy dissipation due to friction is ignored. This is because the work-energy principle states that the change in kinetic energy is equal to the net work done. In cases where the particle is going up a hill, additional work may be done by external forces like gravity, but the net work done will still be equal to the change in kinetic energy.
  • #1
miloko
12
0
Does the following statement makes sense?

The work in joules required to stop a particle moving with kinetic energy 10 J is, in fact, 10 J if we ignore energy dissipation due to friction.

Thanks,
Mike
 
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  • #2
miloko said:
Does the following statement makes sense?

The work in joules required to stop a particle moving with kinetic energy 10 J is, in fact, 10 J if we ignore energy dissipation due to friction.

Thanks,
Mike

The highlighted bit is troubling me. It suggests that if we were to consider the energy disappated by friction more than 10J of work we be done, why would this be the case?

The bottom line is that if a particle has x joules of kinetic energy, it requires x joules of work to be stopped.
 
  • #3
...or less. In reality, either way you look at it, it is 10J altogether.
 
  • #4
Perhaps work-energy principle states that 'Change in K.E is infact the net work done" , this can be the summation of work done by different sources , or maybe work done by one single source.So to stop the particle , final K.E would be zero , and Work done would be equal to initial K.E ,

Now there might be a case, which you haven't mentioned , if the particle is going up the hill , that is gaining P.E while losing K.E , so this time work is being done by gravity to slow it down , there might be a case , that you are pushing the object , while it is going uphill , and also rise in P.E is also helping it ...so net work done is still change in K.E , but this work is being done by you as well as gravity!...
 

1. What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is dependent on the object's mass and velocity.

2. How is kinetic energy calculated?

Kinetic energy is calculated using the equation KE = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

3. What is the relationship between kinetic energy and work?

Kinetic energy and work are directly related. Work is defined as the force applied to an object multiplied by the distance it moves, and this work is what increases an object's kinetic energy.

4. How can kinetic energy be used to stop a particle?

Kinetic energy can be used to stop a particle by applying an equal and opposite force to the particle's motion. The work done by this force will decrease the particle's kinetic energy until it comes to a complete stop.

5. Can kinetic energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, kinetic energy can be converted into other forms of energy. For example, when a moving object collides with another object, its kinetic energy can be converted into sound, heat, or deformation energy.

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