Pi, momentum, and kinetic energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the geometric relationship between kinetic energy and momentum, particularly when the mass of an object is set to 2π. Participants explore the implications of this relationship, including its graphical representation and potential extensions to relativistic velocities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a geometric representation where momentum (P) is expressed as 2πv and kinetic energy (KE) as πv², suggesting a circle whose circumference represents momentum and area represents kinetic energy.
  • Another participant relates the discussion to the cosine function, proposing a connection between energy and oscillatory behavior, particularly in a relativistic context.
  • A later reply introduces the relativistic relationship between kinetic energy and momentum, referencing the invariant mass and Lorentz factor, but does not attempt to visualize it geometrically.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the significance of the geometric representation, arguing that it may not hold for cases where velocity does not equal radius, and that it is merely a result of variable selection.
  • Several participants repeatedly mention that the radius approaches infinity in the context of relativistic velocities, though the relevance to the original topic is questioned.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement. While some find the geometric representation interesting, others challenge its significance and applicability, particularly in non-special cases. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the importance of the geometric approach and its implications at relativistic speeds.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the properties of the geometric representation may not generalize beyond the specific case discussed, highlighting limitations in the assumptions made about velocity and radius.

e2m2a
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There is a geometric way one can show the relation between kinetic energy and momentum which is a mathematical curiosity in my opinion. Let the mass of an object be equal to 2 PI. Then:

P = 2 pi v

KE = 1/2 (2 pi ) v sq
or
KE = pi v sq

Hence, graphically, if we set v = r, where r is the radius of a circle, we have a circle whose circumference is momentum, 2 pi v, and whose area is the kinetic energy, pi v sq. Thus, for the case where the mass is 2 pi, we see the kinetic energy is geometrically bounded by the momentum of the object. Interesting.
Wonder what would happen to this circle at relativistic velocities?
 
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ive been thinking about pi and energy lately.

to simplify things here, ur just describing cosx/2. ie graph cosx...d/dt cosx is -sinx. pi rad of -sinx is (-1, +1 or "total ke" until it goes back down to -1 ie pe). relativistically speaking, the extreme case is analogous to an infinite amp, (staying with cos waves.) ie lim v---> c dt----->0, hence large distance(high amp) and no oscillation.
 
e2m2a said:
Wonder what would happen to this circle at relativistic velocities?

Well, momentum in SR can take the form:
d2dec44ba56c41a31b4d334b144b51d6.png
where m0 is the invariant mass and gamma is the lorentz factor:
daa6c3acdd12b843a2f3bf4d9d757a28.png


The relativistic relation between kinetic energy and momentum is given by:

7dbc3a29632b88dcf0645840b1bf5a53.png


I haven't tried turning this relationship into a circle, but you're welcome to try.
 
Radius ---> infinity.
 
joe o'rourke said:
Radius ---> infinity.

Also just to add: the classic example of this in relativity is in the expansion of the universe and why we see "light years away" not a distance away at far distances.
 
joe o'rourke said:
Radius ---> infinity.

joe o'rourke said:
Also just to add: the classic example of this in relativity is in the expansion of the universe and why we see "light years away" not a distance away at far distances.

This has nothing to do with the thread topic.
 
e2m2a said:
There is a geometric way one can show the relation between kinetic energy and momentum which is a mathematical curiosity in my opinion. Let the mass of an object be equal to 2 PI. Then:

P = 2 pi v

KE = 1/2 (2 pi ) v sq
or
KE = pi v sq

Hence, graphically, if we set v = r, where r is the radius of a circle, we have a circle whose circumference is momentum, 2 pi v, and whose area is the kinetic energy, pi v sq. Thus, for the case where the mass is 2 pi, we see the kinetic energy is geometrically bounded by the momentum of the object. Interesting.
Wonder what would happen to this circle at relativistic velocities?

I personally don't think there is any significance here. For the cases where v is not equal to r, the properties of a circle disappear. There is no fundamental property here that can be generalized to all cases of v, and is nothing more than a result of simply choosing the variables to get the desired outcome.
 
Unified28 said:
I personally don't think there is any significance here. For the cases where v is not equal to r, the properties of a circle disappear. There is no fundamental property here that can be generalized to all cases of v, and is nothing more than a result of simply choosing the variables to get the desired outcome.
I'm a little agree with it, for the special case won't exist if the special amount ##\pi## is replaced with any others.
 

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