Why does kinetic energy increase quadratically, not linearly, with speed? (2011)
6 days ago
- #physics reasoning
- #energy conservation
- #kinetic energy derivation
- Energy is characterized as something conserved and convertible between forms, notably kinetic and potential energy.
- Kinetic energy depends on mass and velocity, with key assumptions including Galilean invariance and additivity with respect to mass.
- Argument 1 uses a spring pushing boxes apart to show kinetic energy quadruples when velocity doubles, leading to KE ∝ v².
- Argument 2 uses gravitational scenarios without invoking work or mgh to demonstrate KE(v) = 4KE(v/2), again establishing KE ∝ v².