Momentum-Work: Confused about KE = 1/2mv2?

  • Thread starter Zula110100100
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In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion about the equation KE = 1/2mv2 and how to relate it to momentum and work. The participants come to the conclusion that the speed needs to be the average velocity in order for the formula to work correctly. This means not using v0 in the calculations.
  • #1
Zula110100100
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I am confused about the KE = 1/2mv2

I was able to get v2=2as from it, by removing mass from each side you get as = 1/2v2 then rearrange, but I was trying to relate momentum and work in my head, and since p = mv than KE = 1/2 p * v

but starting with Work = F * s

and since s = vt

Work = F*vt

then solve for time t = W/Fv

and p = mv
v = at
so p = mat

so p = Ft(assuming no original momentum)

substitute for t and

p = FW/Fv

p = W/v

W = pv

W = mv2

So what am I doing wrong? becuase mv2 does not equals 1/2mv2

I was thinking maybe because I am not using t0 and v0, but it doesn't seem like that's it, it seems the only way is with the 2as but it should tie back in somewhere...

and even working backwards from KE = 1/2mv2
Fvt = 1/2pv
devide by V and multiply by 2
and p = 2 F*t
p = 2 m*a*t
p = 2 mv
 
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  • #2
Zula110100100 said:
and since s = vt
Since the speed is not constant, you need to use the average velocity when calculating distance. In the KE formula, the v is the final speed.
 
  • #3
Oh, okay, so it kinda has to do with not using v0[\SUB]...and the like
 
  • #4
Zula110100100 said:
Oh, okay, so it kinda has to do with not using v0[\SUB]...and the like

Right. For the simple case of a constant force applied to an object initially at rest (v0 = 0), we'll have vave = v/2. So:
W = F*s = F*v/2*t = (F*t)*v/2 = (mv)*v/2 = 1/2mv2. As expected.
 
  • #5



Hello, it seems like you are on the right track in trying to relate momentum and work. However, there are a few things that need to be clarified. First, the equation KE = 1/2mv2 is the equation for kinetic energy, not momentum. Momentum is calculated as p = mv, as you correctly stated. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while momentum is a measure of an object's motion and mass combined.

In order to relate momentum and work, we need to use the equation W = F * d, where d is the distance an object moves due to the applied force. We can also use the equation W = ΔKE, which means the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

Now, let's look at your calculation of momentum and work. You correctly stated that p = F * t, but this only applies if the force is constant. In your case, you are using the equation p = mv, where v is the final velocity. However, in the equation W = F * d, the distance d is the distance an object moves while the force is acting on it. So, in order to use this equation, we need to find the distance an object moves while the force is acting on it, which is given by d = 1/2at2 (assuming the initial velocity is 0).

Substituting this into the equation W = F * d, we get W = F * 1/2at2. Now, we can also use the equation W = ΔKE, which means W = KEf - KEi. If we assume the initial kinetic energy is 0, then W = KEf. Substituting this into the equation W = F * 1/2at2, we get KEf = F * 1/2at2. We can also substitute p = mv into this equation, which gives us KEf = p * 1/2at2.

Now, we can rearrange this equation to get p = KEf * 2/at2. This is the equation that relates momentum and work. As you can see, it is different from the equation you were using (p = 2 F * t). This is because we need to take into account the distance an object moves while the force is acting on it.

In summary, momentum and work are related through the equation p =
 

FAQ: Momentum-Work: Confused about KE = 1/2mv2?

What is momentum?

Momentum is a physical quantity that describes the motion of an object. It is the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

How is momentum related to work?

Momentum and work are related through the concept of force. Work is defined as the product of force and displacement, and force is defined as the rate of change of momentum. This means that when a force is applied to an object, it can change the object's momentum and thus cause it to do work.

Why is kinetic energy represented as 1/2mv2?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is represented as 1/2mv2 because it is derived from the equation for momentum (p=mv) and the fact that kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of an object's velocity.

How does changing an object's mass or velocity affect its kinetic energy?

Changing an object's mass will directly affect its kinetic energy, as kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass. Doubling the mass of an object will double its kinetic energy. Changing an object's velocity will have a greater effect on its kinetic energy, as kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of velocity. Doubling the velocity of an object will quadruple its kinetic energy.

Is kinetic energy the same as momentum?

No, kinetic energy and momentum are two different quantities. Kinetic energy is a measure of an object's energy due to its motion, while momentum is a measure of an object's motion itself. However, they are related through the concept of work, as explained in question 2.

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