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Work Energy Theorem Variable Mass - Phy Edu 2001 PDF
Work Energy Theorem Variable Mass - Phy Edu 2001 PDF
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Abstract
This paper examines the work–energy theorem of classical physics and
applies it to two situations with non-constant mass. The first is that of a
rocket burning fuel. The second is that of a proton in a particle accelerator
reaching relativistic speeds. The analysis leads to a reformulation of the
work–energy relation in terms of momentum and velocity rather than force
and displacement. This allows graphical determinations of kinetic energy
that are both simple to make and clear even to beginning students. The use
of graphical integration obviates the necessity of using calculus for the
non-constant mass situations. An unexpected result is the invariance of this
reformulation even for the relativistic case.
equation (1) or
x2
Wnet = Fnet dx. (2)
x1
or
dW/dp = v.
Integrating equation (3) gives the total work as
W = v dp (3a)
62 PHYSICS EDUCATION
The work–energy theorem
PHYSICS EDUCATION 63
R Newburgh
64 PHYSICS EDUCATION