Potential energy and kinetic energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) as described by the virial theorem. The equation KE = -0.5PE indicates that for interacting masses, particularly in gravitational fields, the average kinetic energy is half the negative of the average potential energy. This relationship is crucial for understanding the dynamics of systems where potential energy is inversely proportional to separation, such as gravitational interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the virial theorem
  • Basic knowledge of kinetic and potential energy
  • Familiarity with gravitational interactions
  • Concept of time averages in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the virial theorem in detail
  • Explore gravitational potential energy calculations
  • Learn about time averages in mechanical systems
  • Investigate applications of the virial theorem in astrophysics
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Students of physics, educators explaining energy concepts, and anyone interested in the mathematical relationships governing mechanical systems.

itachipower
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So today in class we were talking about gravity and my professor said that generally KE = -.5PE
And so TME = .5PE

I don't understand how that works.
 
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That's the virial theorem, and it holds in that form for interacting masses whose potential energy is proportional to the inverse of their separation (e.g. gravitational interaction). Note that the kinetic energy and potential energy appearing in that equation are averages over time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virial_theorem
 
Oh okay! Thanks!
 

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