Particle moving in conservative force field

In summary, the conversation discusses the equation ##F \cdot dr = \frac{mv^2}{2}## and how it relates to the derivative of ##\vec v^2## with respect to time. The conversation also mentions the book "Vector Analysis; Schaum's outlines" and how the author may have intended to use a different equation involving the derivative with respect to r instead of t.
  • #1
JD_PM
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Screenshot (257).png

Screenshot (258).png

I don't get why ##F \cdot dr = \frac{mv^2}{2}##

I know this has to be really easy but don't see it.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
What is the derivative of ##\vec v^2## with respect to time?
 
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  • #3
I see what you mean but that is the vector and not the magnitude
 
  • #4
JD_PM said:
I see what you mean but that is the vector and not the magnitude
No it is not. ##\vec v^2 = \vec v \cdot \vec v = v^2##.
 
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archaic said:
Could you tell me the book's name?

Sure

Vector Analysis; Schaum's outlines
 
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  • #7
I think the author intended to use
## F= \frac{m}{2}\frac{d(v^2)}{dr}##.
It comes from the definition of force
##F=m\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=m\frac{dv}{dt}##
as ##v=\frac{dr}{dt}##.
Applying chain rule when using derivative with respect to r instead of t:
##F=m\frac{d v}{d r} \frac{d r}{d t}=m v \frac{d v}{d r}=\frac{m}{2}\frac{d(v^2)}{dr}## .
 
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What is a conservative force field?

A conservative force field is a type of force field in which the work done by the force on a particle is independent of the path taken by the particle. This means that the total energy of the particle remains constant as it moves within the field.

What is the difference between a conservative and non-conservative force field?

The main difference between a conservative and non-conservative force field is that in a conservative force field, the work done by the force on a particle only depends on the initial and final positions of the particle, while in a non-conservative force field, the work done also depends on the path taken by the particle.

What is the relationship between potential energy and conservative force fields?

In a conservative force field, the potential energy of a particle is directly related to the work done by the force on the particle. This means that as the particle moves within the field, its potential energy changes accordingly.

How does a particle move in a conservative force field?

A particle in a conservative force field will move in a way that conserves its total energy. This means that as the particle moves, its kinetic energy may change, but its total energy (the sum of its kinetic and potential energy) remains constant.

What is the significance of a conservative force field in physics?

Conservative force fields play a crucial role in many areas of physics, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. They allow for the conservation of energy and can be used to analyze and predict the motion of particles in various systems.

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