Does the Direction of an Object's Velocity Affect its Rotational Kinetic Energy?

In summary, when an object is thrown from the Earth's surface with a velocity greater than escape velocity, it will convert kinetic energy to potential energy as it climbs and will lose some kinetic energy regardless of the direction it is thrown. Air resistance can affect the trajectory and speed of the object, as seen with the space shuttle and jets. The measurement of KE depends on the frame of reference used.
  • #1
godel
3
0
suppose we are sitting on earth.now we threw a object with velosity greater than escape velosity.will the kinetic energy remain same if we throw the object in different directions?how
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
When the object leaves the ground it will have a certain KE = 0.5mv2. It will convert KE to PE as it climbs so some KE will be lost regardless of the angle.

If you ignore air resistance it does not matter which angle it takes. However air resistance is normally an issue. The space shuttle had to throttle back to reduce drag forces after take off. Once high enough it could accelerate again.

Jets prefer to fly as high as possible due to air resistance. They sometimes need to land and refuel if something prevents them climbing as high as planned.
 
  • #3
The KE that you ascribe to an object depends upon the frame of reference in which you measure it (as does velocity). So, first you must be explicit about the frame of reference you are referring your measurements to.
 

Related to Does the Direction of an Object's Velocity Affect its Rotational Kinetic Energy?

1. What is rotational kinetic energy?

Rotational kinetic energy is a form of energy associated with the rotation of an object. It is the energy an object possesses due to its rotational motion around an axis.

2. How is rotational kinetic energy calculated?

The formula for calculating rotational kinetic energy is: KE = 1/2 * I * ω^2, where KE is the kinetic energy, I is the moment of inertia of the object, and ω is the angular velocity of the object.

3. What factors affect the amount of rotational kinetic energy?

The amount of rotational kinetic energy depends on the mass, shape, and speed of the rotating object. Additionally, the moment of inertia and angular velocity also play a role in determining the amount of rotational kinetic energy.

4. How is rotational kinetic energy different from linear kinetic energy?

Linear kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its linear motion, while rotational kinetic energy is the energy associated with the rotation of an object. The formulas for calculating these two types of kinetic energy are different and depend on different factors.

5. What are some real-life examples of rotational kinetic energy?

Some common examples of rotational kinetic energy include a spinning top, a rotating bicycle tire, a merry-go-round, and a wind turbine. Any object that is rotating has some amount of rotational kinetic energy.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
206
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
324
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
344
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
882
Back
Top