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does Pe = Ke?

The question "Does Pe equal Ke?" is quite brief and lacks context. To enhance clarity and provide a more engaging inquiry, I suggest the following revision:

"In the context of physics, can we equate potential energy (Pe) to kinetic energy (Ke) in specific scenarios, or are there fundamental differences that prevent such equivalence? I would appreciate insights on the principles governing these two forms of energy and any equations that illustrate the relationship between them."

6 Answers

A
Anonymous

Nov 29, 2024

yeah…the equation can be set as:

PEi + KEi = PEf + KEf

where i stands for initial and f stands for final.

this is the same as the change in PE equals the opposite of the change in KE.

of course, though, that equation only works if you don’t include other energies such as friction or sound. if you roll a ball down a frictionless ramp into a loop, you should be able to find it’s speed at any place on the ramp or loop using that equation. but if it there’s friction, it causes it to slow down and the calculations will be inaccurate.

A
Anonymous

Jan 05, 2025

It depends on the situation. In simple mechanics – say dropping an apple from a tree, then the gravitational potential energy is equal to the kinetic energy when it hits the ground. And at some point near the middle the Pe and Ke are equal.

I think what you mean is

∆Pe = -∆Ke

Or, the change in Pe equals the change in Ke. (The negative sign implies that a change for a loss in one is a change for an increase in the other.)

In simple mechanics and Brownian motion, objects have stored or potential energy or kinetic energy. Potential energy can be transferred into kinetic energy and vice versa, but since the total amount of energy remains unchanged, any change in one must equal the opposite change in the other.

https://shorturl.im/hZTRe

PE is mgh m- mass g-gravity h-height KE is 0.5mV^2 m- mass v- velocity

A
Anonymous

Dec 18, 2024

Potential energy does not always equal kinetic energy, but it can. The change in energy is what is equal, since it can neither be created or destroyed, but only moved around into different forms. So if you lose energy from one place, then you have to gain it in another.

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