- #1
Miran97
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Hi!
The kinetic formula are EK=1/2*m*v^2. But how do we find it?
The kinetic formula are EK=1/2*m*v^2. But how do we find it?
Unlocking the Power of Kinetic Energy: A Guide to the EK=1/2*m*v^2 Formula
- Thread starter Miran97
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In summary, the conversation discusses the kinetic formula for calculating energy, and how it can be derived using the concepts of work and force. The main challenge in explaining physics is understanding the true question or difficulty of the person asking.
- #2
Doc Al
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Looks like you already found it!
What do you mean? (How you would find the kinetic energy in a particular problem will depend on the details of that problem.)
What do you mean? (How you would find the kinetic energy in a particular problem will depend on the details of that problem.)
- #3
lep11
- 380
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Maybe he/she meant to ask how the formula is derived.
- #4
K^2
Science Advisor
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The simplest derivation is to consider how much work is done to accelerate an object to velocity v. Let's say we use constant force to accelerate the object over some distance d.
F = ma -> a = F/m (From Newton's 2nd)
W = F*d (From definition of work.)
v² = 2*a*d (Let us know if you need help deriving this one, but you should have seen it.)
Putting it all together.
v² = 2*d*a = 2*d*(F/m) = 2*(d*F)/m = 2*W/m
W = (m*v²)/2
So the amount of work required to accelerate (or decelerate, for that matter) an object of mass m to velocity v is (1/2)*m*v². Hence the Kinetic Energy.
F = ma -> a = F/m (From Newton's 2nd)
W = F*d (From definition of work.)
v² = 2*a*d (Let us know if you need help deriving this one, but you should have seen it.)
Putting it all together.
v² = 2*d*a = 2*d*(F/m) = 2*(d*F)/m = 2*W/m
W = (m*v²)/2
So the amount of work required to accelerate (or decelerate, for that matter) an object of mass m to velocity v is (1/2)*m*v². Hence the Kinetic Energy.
- #5
Doc Al
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Anyone else want to guess what the OP's real question was? 
- #6
K^2
Science Advisor
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I've always found that to be the real challenge of explaining physics to someone. Once you understand what it is that the person actually wants to know or doesn't understand, explaining it is easy.Doc Al said:Anyone else want to guess what the OP's real question was?
1. What is kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is a form of energy that is associated with the movement of an object and is dependent on its mass and velocity.
2. How is kinetic energy calculated?
Kinetic energy is calculated using the formula EK=1/2*m*v^2, where EK represents kinetic energy, m represents the mass of the object, and v represents the velocity of the object. The formula can also be written as KE=1/2*mv^2.
3. What is the significance of the EK=1/2*m*v^2 formula?
The EK=1/2*m*v^2 formula is significant because it allows us to quantify and calculate the amount of kinetic energy an object possesses based on its mass and velocity. It is a fundamental formula in the study of physics and is used in various real-world applications.
4. How does kinetic energy affect the motion of an object?
Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the velocity of an object. This means that as the velocity of an object increases, its kinetic energy also increases. Kinetic energy also affects the motion of an object by allowing it to do work and overcome resistance.
5. How can we unlock the power of kinetic energy?
To unlock the power of kinetic energy, we can increase the mass or velocity of an object. This can be achieved through physical force or by using machines such as engines and turbines. Additionally, we can also convert other forms of energy, such as potential energy, into kinetic energy.
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