Types of Kinetic Energy: Vibrational, Translational & Rotational

AI Thread Summary
There are three main types of kinetic energy: vibrational, translational, and rotational. Random kinetic energy, often associated with heat, is not explicitly defined in undergraduate physics but can be understood as the energy present in particles even at rest. It is suggested that random kinetic energy can be considered a combination of vibrational, translational, and rotational energies. The discussion also highlights that in gases, random kinetic energy predominates unless they are in specific conditions, like within a musical instrument. Understanding these concepts allows for a clearer definition of kinetic energy types.
csharsha
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I was wondering about the types of kinetic energies that exist. Is it true that there are 3 types - vibrational, translational and rotational?

If so what is random kinetic energy?

Is random KE = vibrational + translational + rotational ?

Thanks !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
At first there is only normal kinetic energy of a single particle.

If you prefer you can work with center of mass of objects. Then you'd substitute the above with (center of mass translational energy)+(rotational energy about center of mass)
You can treat everything having these two types of energies only.

From here you can start defining whatever you like. It's just a matter of defining words.

Random kinetic energy is what people relate to heat. I'm not sure what a well-posed definition would be, but you surely can't find it in undergrad physics book, because there it's only vague concepts. Hmm, seems like a good question.
 
welcome to pf!

hi csharsha! welcome to pf! :smile:

i think i'd say that vibrational means regular …

so if you hit a bell it'll have vibrational KE, but even when it's "resting", there'll still be a tiny amount of random KE, ie heat

(and gases usually have only random KE, unless they're in a musical instrument)
 

Thread 'Is calling fictitious forces "not real" just about terminology?'

Hi there, im studying nanoscience at the university in Basel. Today I looked at the topic of intertial and non-inertial reference frames and the existence of fictitious forces. I understand that you call forces real in physics if they appear in interplay. Meaning that a force is real when there is the "actio" partner to the "reactio" partner. If this condition is not satisfied the force is not real. I also understand that if you specifically look at non-inertial reference frames you can...
View full post »

Thread 'Derivation of Hamilton's Principle: Questions'

I have recently been really interested in the derivation of Hamiltons Principle. On my research I found that with the term ##m \cdot \frac{d}{dt} (\frac{dr}{dt} \cdot \delta r) = 0## (1) one may derivate ##\delta \int (T - V) dt = 0## (2). The derivation itself I understood quiet good, but what I don't understand is where the equation (1) came from, because in my research it was just given and not derived from anywhere. Does anybody know where (1) comes from or why from it the...
View full post »

Similar threads

I The proportion of kinetic energy of a rotating rigid body?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Translational kinetic in solids
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Torque and Rotational Kinetic Energy Relationship
Replies
4
Views
2K
Lagrangian mechanics - rotating rod
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Kinetic Energy derivation assumption?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Confusion about tidal locking and rotational kinetic energy
Replies
3
Views
2K
KE of off-center impacts in rotating and translating rigid bodies
Replies
5
Views
1K
Kinetic energy of water molecules after shaking
Replies
1
Views
3K
I Question about Momentum vs. Kinetic Energy vs. Deforming In Collisions
Replies
2
Views
2K
Is the rotational KE of a rigid body considered as internal energy?
Replies
30
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top