Potential Energy and energy conservation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the concepts of potential energy and work in the context of mechanical energy conservation, specifically addressing the equations Workgrav = mgh1 - mgh2 and Workel = 0.5kx12 - 0.5kx22. A user compares the results of calculating work using different methods, concluding that both approaches yield consistent results when applied correctly. The conversation also clarifies that internal energy (Uint) is not the same as work done by non-conservative forces (Wnc).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integrals.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of potential energy and mechanical energy.
  • Knowledge of gravitational force calculations (F = mg).
  • Basic principles of work and energy in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems.
  • Learn about the differences between conservative and non-conservative forces.
  • Explore the implications of work-energy theorem in various physical scenarios.
  • Investigate the role of internal energy in thermodynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of energy conservation and work calculations.

kyin01
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Hi everyone, so I was going to start on my HW but there was some things confusing me when reading the book.
This is calculus based (feel free to use integrals) and we are on the concept of potential and total mechanical energy and such.1) This new chapter we are on introduces
Work[tex]_{grav}[/tex]=mgh[tex]_{1} -[/tex]mgh[tex]_{2}[/tex] (1 being above 2) and

Work[tex]_{el}[/tex]=.5kx[tex]_{1}[/tex] [tex]^{2}[/tex] - .5kx[tex]_{2}[/tex] [tex]^{2}[/tex]

However in the previous chapter we were told that W[tex]_{net}[/tex]=[tex]\Delta[/tex]K[tex]_{energy}[/tex] or W=F[tex]\bullet[/tex] [tex]_{net}[/tex] [tex]\vec{s}[/tex]

So my question is, if the Work introduced now the same kind of work as we were told in the previous chapter?
I tried setting an quick example, let's assume we throw a ball of 10kg vertically upwards and it reaches a maximum height of 5m and than goes back down. Gravity is 10[tex]\frac{m}{s^{2}}[/tex]. So let's pretend no air resistance and such and we are trying to find work.
If I use this equation W=F[tex]_{net}[/tex][tex]\bullet[/tex][tex]\vec{s}[/tex], I get work is = to 50J
but if I use the new equation Work[tex]_{grav}[/tex]=mgh[tex]_{1} -[/tex]mgh[tex]_{2}[/tex], work is = to 500

So what is it I am not understanding? Are they 2 different kind of work?2) Is internal energy (U[tex]_{int}[/tex]) the same as work done by non conservative forces (W[tex]_{nc}[/tex])?

edit: i have no idea why the subscripts appear as superscripts, I tried editing and fix but it still appears as superscripts. If it's not clear enough please let me know I'll make them into pictures in MSPaint and post or something
 
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kyin01 said:
So my question is, if the Work introduced now the same kind of work as we were told in the previous chapter?
Sure.
I tried setting an quick example, let's assume we throw a ball of 10kg vertically upwards and it reaches a maximum height of 5m and than goes back down. Gravity is 10[tex]\frac{m}{s^{2}}[/tex]. So let's pretend no air resistance and such and we are trying to find work.
If the ball goes up and down, the net work done by gravity is zero. (The work is negative on the way up, positive on the way down.)

Let's say you want the work done by gravity when a ball falls from a height of 5m to the ground, which is what I think you were calculating.
If I use this equation W=F[tex]_{net}[/tex][tex]\bullet[/tex][tex]\vec{s}[/tex], I get work is = to 50J
How did you get this? The force = mg = 100N. If we call the distance h=5m, the work done = mgh = (100)*5 = 500 J.
but if I use the new equation Work[tex]_{grav}[/tex]=mgh[tex]_{1} -[/tex]mgh[tex]_{2}[/tex], work is = to 500
This also gives you mgh = 500 J.
 
Ahh, sorry I see it now. Thanks

So is Is internal energy the same as work done by non conservative forces?
 

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