Way to find acceleration if I know the kinetic energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between kinetic energy, mass, velocity, and acceleration. It establishes that acceleration cannot be determined solely from kinetic energy, mass, and velocity, as acceleration is a result of forces acting on an object. The example provided illustrates a car with a mass of 1000 kg moving at 10 m/s, experiencing a frictional force of -500 N, leading to an acceleration of -0.5 m/s² and a stopping time of 20 seconds. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of additional information regarding forces to accurately calculate acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F = ma)
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy formula (KE = 1/2 mv²)
  • Basic knowledge of forces acting on objects (friction, weight, normal force)
  • Concept of acceleration and its relation to velocity and time
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Newton's laws in dynamic systems
  • Learn about the effects of friction on motion and acceleration
  • Explore the relationship between energy transformations and forces
  • Investigate real-world applications of kinetic energy in vehicle dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and forces acting on objects.

jimmy42
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Is there any way to find acceleration ( horizontally ) if I know the kinetic energy, mass and velocity of an object?
 
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No. Acceleration causes energy and velocity to change. You would need to know something about the change in energy or velocity to work back to the acceleration.
 


OK, if I know the force of friction and so its acceleration and the velocity of the moving object, can I work out the time for it to stop by t= forward velocity/acceleration of friction? So that velocity will slow down at a constant rate for which the acceleration of friction says?
 


Yes.
 


No that can't be right as then I get the acceleration due to friction as the same as the acceleration forwards. If that is true then F = MA is the same forward and backwards ( as the mass is the same ). That would mean it does not accelerate at all, which I know is not true. Back to the drawing board :)
 


Say you have a car moving in the positive direction at 10 m/s on a level road, engine not running. Mass 1000 kg, force of friction -500 N.
The acceleration due to friction is F = ma, a = F/m = -500/1000 = -0.5 m/s².
Using a = Δv/Δt, Δt = Δv/a = (0-10)/-0.5 = 20 seconds
is the time to stop.

acceleration due to friction as the same as the acceleration forwards
In my little example, there is no acceleration forwards.
If there is acceleration forward, there must be a net force F = ma on the object and that net force is the forward force minus the friction force.
 


OK, that is what I have done so far. Yes, there is no acceleration forwards ;) I have been just trying anything without thinking :) So, I can never know the force that is pushing it with the info I have? I don't need it to answer any questions I was just trying to work it out.
 


So, in your car example are there only three forces? Friction, Weight and normal reaction force?
 


Yes. The car pushes down on the road and the road pushes back up on the car with an equal force. So friction is the net force, equal to ma.
That is the only force pushing the car.
 
  • #10


jimmy42 said:
Is there any way to find acceleration ( horizontally ) if I know the kinetic energy, mass and velocity of an object?

According to your initial statement of the question, the answer is no.
KE = 1/2 mv^2, so you have the KE from the m and v anyway. There's nothing about acceleration there. Are the assumptions of gravity and friction warranted?
 
  • #11


no you can not more information must be given to do so.
 

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