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ehabmozart
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Why is it the difference in gravitational potential energy is given by U grav 1 - U grav 2 whereas for the same system, delta KE is given by k2 - k1?
Kindly Clarify! Thanks a LOT!
Kindly Clarify! Thanks a LOT!
I'm not sure I understand the issue. One goes up while the other goes down.ehabmozart said:I know that.. I meant about the intuition ... WHy is it U 1 - U2 and not the opposite
How about giving a specific example that illustrates your question.ehabmozart said:I still don't get the point!
ehabmozart said:Why is it the difference in gravitational potential energy is given by U grav 1 - U grav 2
Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or configuration, while kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In simpler terms, potential energy is stored energy and kinetic energy is energy in motion.
Potential and kinetic energy are different forms of energy that can be converted into each other. For example, when an object falls, its potential energy decreases as it gets closer to the ground and its kinetic energy increases as it gains speed.
An object's potential energy is affected by its position or height above the ground, as well as its mass and the strength of the force acting on it. An object's kinetic energy is affected by its mass and velocity.
Potential and kinetic energy are used in many everyday activities, such as riding a bike, cooking food, and using electricity. When you ride a bike, your potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as you pedal and move forward. Cooking food involves converting potential energy in the form of heat into kinetic energy as the food cooks. And electricity is generated by converting potential energy in the form of water, wind, or fossil fuels into kinetic energy to power our homes and devices.
The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. This means that the total amount of potential and kinetic energy in a system will remain constant, even as it is converted back and forth between the two forms. Therefore, potential and kinetic energy play a crucial role in the conservation of energy.