BRAINCAKEKinetic Energy and Momentum - Ek = p2/2m
Kinetic energy can be written in terms of momentum. Starting from Ek = ½mv2 and p = mv, so v = p/m:
Ek = ½m(p/m)2 = p2/2m
Rearranged, p = √(2mEk). This form is useful when momentum is known (for example from conservation of momentum, or from the radius of a particle track) and the kinetic energy is needed, or the other way round. It applies at non-relativistic speeds.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
More in Further Mechanics
- On the Road
- The London Eye
- A Spin Dryer
- Momentum as a Vector
- Conservation of Momentum in Two Dimensions
- Resolving Momentum in Collisions
- Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
- Two-Dimensional Collision Questions
All 15 lessons in Further Mechanics · All Edexcel A-level Physics topics