- #1
Scintillation
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Homework Statement
Very simple problem. Derive the equation 1/2mv^2 for kinetic energy.
Homework Equations
1/2mv2.
The Attempt at a Solution
∫f(x) dx
∫ma dx
∫m (dv/dt) dx
m∫(dv/dt) dx
Now, here is where I get confused. Here is the supposed solution that I don't understand.
m∫(dx/dt)dv
m∫v dv
m (1/2v2) +c
=1/2mv2
Yet, this begs two questions.
1. Why am I able to move the derivative from (dv/dt)dx to (dx/dt)dv?
2. I don't understand the concept. Why is the work done (well, after considering Kf=ki + w) equivalent to the intergral of a force with respect to time? I don't really understand this concept. Can anyone explain this to me?
For example, the following equation for a spring.
kx is the force of a spring, so to find the work done by a spring, we do:
k ∫x dx
k(1/2x2)
= 1/2kx2 - 1/2kx2
Of course, this is the familiar equation for work done by a spring. But wouldn't we need to multiply this equation by x (to get F*d), so actually 1/2kx3?