Why is Kinetic Energy mv^2/2?

Whilst this proof is beyond the scope of A level physics, it is well within the scope of A level Maths as it relies solely on the chain rule.First let us note that Fx = W where F is force, x is distance and W is work or energy.However if we have a varying force, we must sum the Force in dx sized chunks, ie. W = int ( F dx) and it is from there we get our proof.F = ma (from Newton II)a = dv/dtF = mdv/dtPutting this in our integral:int(Fdx) = int (m * dvdx/dt)We also know that v = dx/dt.Therefore int(mdvdx/dt) = int(mdvv) = int(mv dv).Taking the integral we can see that W = mv2/2 + C where C is dependant on the initial speed we take the work done from. If initial speed is 0 then C also becomes 0 and we get the well known formula.

VP
Answered by Vandan P. Physics tutor

5790 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A particle of mass 5kg is moving in circular motion with a time period of 2 seconds. The radius of the circle is 10m. What is the centripetal force on the particle


I do 400J of work compressing a gas, but I maintain the same temperature. What is the delta U, Q and W in this case?


Why is an object moving in a circle at a constant speed said to be accelerating?


A cannon can fire a cannonball at 20m/s. A sandpit is placed at a distance of 40m away. At what angle should the cannon be fired in order for the cannonball to land in the sand.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences