Negative work on a moving body

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of negative work done by gravity on a moving body, specifically a box with an initial kinetic energy of 200 J and a velocity of 20 m/s. It highlights that as the box moves upward against gravity, the force of gravity performs negative work, which can be mathematically described through the relationship between kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE). The conversation emphasizes that the dynamics can be analyzed using Newton's second law or through energy principles, yielding consistent results. The challenge lies in understanding how to mathematically express the opposition of forces when using energy concepts, particularly in scenarios involving drag, like the flight of an arrow. Ultimately, the discussion seeks clarity on describing the mathematical relationship of negative work in these contexts.
alba
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Suppose the box (stone, bullet..., $$m =1$$) is not moving upward because of a lift, but has been shot and has $$v = 20m/s$$ and $$KE = 200 J$$

Gravity is doing negative work and subtracting energy:
$$F = -ma = 10 \cdot 1 = -10 N$$
We cannot use the palallelogram here as KE is not a force, how do you deal with this situation, how do you describe it mathematically?

It is trivial that the box will reach the height KE/ F = 20 m and that there KE will be 0 and PE = 200, and at any height h ##KE_h = 200 -PE_h##, but how do you describe the relation, process, the action of negative work done on the body?
The same problem, I suppose, arise if we try to describe the flight of an arrow, on which drag does negative work.
 
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You can describe the action of the forces (gravity in your example) either dynamically (using Newton's 2nd law) or energetically (using work done). You'll get the same answer either way.

Dynamically, since the only force acting is gravity you know the resulting acceleration is -g. Using work, F*d is negative since the force (down) and displacement (up) are in opposite directions.
 
Doc Al said:
You can describe the action of the forces (gravity in your example) either dynamically (using Newton's 2nd law) or energetically (using work done). You'll get the same answer either way.

Dynamically, since the only force acting is gravity you know the resulting acceleration is -g. Using work, F*d is negative since the force (down) and displacement (up) are in opposite directions.
Thank you, sir, but it is rather hard for me to understand that, in general terms. Can you refer to the concrete example above? In the case of forces we use the parallelogram and subtract ( if upward F were 15 N we would know = + 5N) in this case how do you descrbe mathematically this opposition? Can we only use the makeshift of mechanical energy?
 
alba said:
In the case of forces we use the parallelogram and subtract ( if upward F were 15 N we would know = + 5N) in this case how do you descrbe mathematically this opposition?
By 'parallelogram', I assume you mean vector addition to find the net force. In your example you only have one force, gravity. F = -mg
 
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