Relation between Potential Field, Force, Kinetic Energy and Abs.Energy

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between work, potential energy, and change of energy. It is stated that the work done on an object can be represented as the integral of the force over the displacement, which is equal to the change in energy. The force is also described as the gradient of potential energy for conservative forces. It is noted that the change in potential energy can be represented as both -W and ΔE, but it is important to not confuse the work done by the conservative force with the work needed to lift the object.
  • #1
EEristavi
108
5
Homework Statement
A single conservative force acts on a 5.00-kg particle
within a system due to its interaction with the rest of the
system. The equation Fx = 2x + 4 describes the force,
where Fx is in newtons and x is in meters. As the particle
moves along the x axis from x = 1.00 m to x = 5.00 m,
calculate (a) the work done by this force on the particle,
(b) the change in the potential energy of the system, and
(c) the kinetic energy the particle has at x 5 5.00 m if its
speed is 3.00 m/s at x 5 1.00 m.
Relevant Equations
W = ∫ F dx
F = -∇U
I understand that the work done is Change of Energy.
W = ∫xixf F dx = ΔEThe force is gradient of potential energy
F = -∇U (For conservative forces of course)

from here, we can say that change of potential energy is W:
ΔU = -W
but also
ΔU = -W = ΔE

I'm little bit lost here..
Can you help me understand this topic? where I make mistake?
 
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  • #2
EEristavi said:
from here, we can say that change of potential energy is W:
ΔU = -W
Don't confuse the work done on the object by the conservative force with the work you need to do against the conservative force to lift the object.
 
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Likes EEristavi
  • #3
You r on right way
 

1. What is a potential field?

A potential field is a type of physical field that is defined by a scalar value at every point in space. This scalar value, known as the potential, represents the potential energy of an object placed in that point in space.

2. How is force related to potential field?

Force is directly related to potential field through the concept of potential energy. The force acting on an object is equal to the negative gradient of the potential field at that point. In other words, the direction and magnitude of the force can be determined by the change in potential energy with respect to position.

3. How does kinetic energy relate to potential field?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In a potential field, an object's kinetic energy is converted into potential energy as the object moves from a higher potential to a lower potential. This conversion is what causes the object to experience a force and accelerate.

4. What is the role of absolute energy in the relation between potential field, force, and kinetic energy?

Absolute energy, also known as total energy, is the sum of an object's kinetic and potential energy. In the context of potential fields, it represents the total energy an object has at a given point in space. The relationship between potential field, force, and kinetic energy can be understood by considering the changes in absolute energy as an object moves through the field.

5. How can potential field, force, kinetic energy, and absolute energy be applied in real-world situations?

These concepts have a wide range of applications, from understanding the motion of objects in gravitational fields to analyzing the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics. For example, engineers use potential fields to design efficient systems for transporting objects, while physicists use these concepts to study the behavior of particles in complex systems such as black holes.

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