Power in Fv: Is it Given by $\vec{F} \cdot \vec{v}$?

Mandelbroth · Jan 7, 2013

Is power given by [itex]\vec{F} \cdot \vec{v}[/itex], or just [itex]Fv[/itex]?

I'm thinking it can be both if the velocity and force vectors are parallel, but I'm not sure...

HallsofIvy · Jan 7, 2013

If vector [itex]\vec{F}[/itex] happens to be in the same direction as [itex]\vec{v}[/itex] then [itex]\vec{F}\cdot\vec{v}= |\vec{F}||\vec{v}|[/itex] which is what I think you mean by "Fv". In general, of course, they are not in the same direction and you must use [itex]\vec{F}\cdot\vec{v}[/itex].

Power in Fv: Is it Given by $\vec{F} \cdot \vec{v}$?

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