Question about momentum and kinetic energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between kinetic energy and momentum, particularly exploring the underlying symmetries related to their conservation. Participants seek intuitive explanations for why kinetic energy involves velocity squared while momentum does not, and how these concepts relate to symmetries in time and space.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that kinetic energy is defined as velocity squared multiplied by mass, while momentum is defined as velocity multiplied by mass.
  • Another participant mentions that the conservation of kinetic energy is related to symmetry in time, whereas conservation of momentum is related to symmetry in space.
  • Some participants express confusion about how velocity squared relates to symmetry and request further explanations.
  • There are suggestions to explore Noether's theorem for a deeper understanding of these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the relationship between velocity squared and symmetry, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple viewpoints present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants have not found satisfactory explanations regarding the connection between velocity squared and symmetry, highlighting a potential gap in understanding that remains unaddressed.

larsa
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First of all i am not a native speaker so i apologize for my english.
Kinetic energy is velocity squared multiplied by mass, whereas momentum is just velocity multiplied by mass.
I have read that the reason for this is because conservation of kinetic energy is related to symmetry of the motion in time and conservation of momentum is related to the symmetry in the motion of space.
Could someone give an intuitive or not explanation about this?

Thank you in advance
 
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Do a search on Noether's theorem on PF. You will find many thread discussing the subject.
 
DrClaude said:
Do a search on Noether's theorem on PF. You will find many thread discussing the subject.
What i don't understand is how velocity squared is related to symmetry. I have not found any explanation about this. I will look again, thanks
 
larsa said:
First of all i am not a native speaker so i apologize for my english.
Kinetic energy is velocity squared multiplied by mass, whereas momentum is just velocity multiplied by mass.
I have read that the reason for this is because conservation of kinetic energy is related to symmetry of the motion in time and conservation of momentum is related to the symmetry in the motion of space.
Could someone give an intuitive or not explanation about this?

Thank you in advance

There is no need to apologise for your near perfect English!
 

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