Point Particle Systems

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The Main Idea

The point particle method of measuring changes in energy simplifies the system of interest down to a single point, or focuses on its center of mass. Therefore, the only energy changing in the system is translational kinetic energy. Translational kinetic energy is the energy that comes from an object moving from one location to another. This can then be used in the extended system of the object, which includes all energy transfers.

A Mathematical Model

Translational kinetic energy is equal to , where M is mass and v is the velocity of the center of mass.

The change in translational kinetic energy is equal to , where F is the net force acting on the object and delta r is the change in position of the object center of mass.

In the point particle system, total change in energy is equal to the total change in kinetic energy. Because of the energy principle, , where delta E is change in total energy and W is work, the change in translational kinetic energy is equal to work. Remember, work is equal to as well.

A Computational Model

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