What is the reason for the division by two in the angular momentum equation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the division by two in the angular momentum equation as presented in Goldstein, Poole, and Safko. The confusion arises from the transition between expressions, particularly regarding the factor of m. It is clarified that the division by two is necessary to simplify the equation from the derivative of velocity squared to a more manageable form. The reasoning involves the relationship between velocity and its derivative, leading to the conclusion that this division is not a typo but a mathematical requirement. Understanding this step helps clarify the derivation of angular momentum in physics.
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Homework Statement



I found this in Goldstein, Poole, and Safko and have seen it in other books. What I don't understand is how the equation gets from the second expression to the third; specifically, why is the m divided by two in the last expression? I am at a loss on this but I know it is not a typo.

Homework Equations


\int \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{s} = m \int \frac{d\mathbf{v}}{dt} \cdot \mathbf{v} dt = \frac{m}{2} \int \frac{d}{dt}(v^2)dt
 
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\frac{d \; v^2}{dt} = 2 v \frac{d v}{dt}
so to make this simply \frac{dv}{dt} v it needs to be divided by two.
 
Thanks, I knew it was something simple that I just could not see.
 
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