V dot (dv/dt) = (0.5)*(d/dt)*(v^2) ?

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The discussion focuses on the derivation of the equation involving force, mass, and velocity in a physics context. The initial steps involve applying Newton's second law (F=ma) and multiplying by velocity to relate force to power. A key point of confusion is the introduction of the factor of 1/2 in the power equation, which arises from the kinetic energy formula. The clarification provided explains that the derivative of v squared leads to the factor of 2, confirming the relationship between velocity and its derivative. Ultimately, the derivation connects force, power, and kinetic energy in a coherent manner.
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This is not a homework question, but a derivation in my class which I can't get around.

Homework Statement


Step1 F=ma
Step2 \vec{F} = m\frac{d\vec{v}}{dt}
Step3: Multiply both side by v \vec{F}.\vec{v} = m\vec{v}.\frac{d\vec{v}}{dt}
Step4 Power = \frac{d}{dt}\frac{1}{2}m\vec{v}.\vec{v}
Step5 Power = \frac{d}{dt}\frac{1}{2}mv^{2} = \frac{dK}{dt}<br />


Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I just can't figure out where did the \frac{1}{2} come from in step 4.

Please help & thanks in advance!
 
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v2=v.v

So that d/dt(v2)=2v*dv/dt

They just wrote v2 as v.v
 
rock.freak667 said:
So that d/dt(v2)=2v*dv/dt

Aha, I see.
Or more elaborately:

\frac{d}{dt}v^{2} = \frac{dv}{dt}\frac{d}{dv}v^{2} = \frac{dv}{dt}2v

Thanks rock!
 
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