A fairly recent paper resolves a large discrepancy in the internal energy utilized to fire a cannon as calculated by two inertial observers. Earth and its small reaction velocity must be considered in the system so that the change in kinetic energy is calculated correctly. This paper uses a car in a similar scenario, but considers the work done by forces acting over distances. An analysis of the system must include all energy interactions, including the work done on the car and especially the (negative) work done on Earth in a moving reference frame. This shows the importance of considering the force on Earth and the distance Earth travels. For calculation of work in inertial reference frames, the center of mass perspective is shown to be useful. We also consider the energy requirements to efficiently accelerate a mass among interacting masses.
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December 2017
PAPERS|
December 01 2017
Work and Inertial Frames
Richard Kaufman
Richard Kaufman
University of Massachusetts Lowell
, 233 Main Street, North Andover, Lowell, MA 01845; rdkaufman01@gmail.com
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Phys. Teach. 55, 561–564 (2017)
Citation
Richard Kaufman; Work and Inertial Frames. Phys. Teach. 1 December 2017; 55 (9): 561–564. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.5011835
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