What is the force work done by force F along OAC, OBC, OC

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by a force \( F = (2yi + x^2j) \) acting on a particle moving in the xy-plane from the origin to the point (5,5). The inquiry focuses on the work done along different paths: OAC, OBC, and OC, with participants noting discrepancies between their calculations and those in the answer book.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of work and the need to evaluate integrals along specified paths. Some question the assumption that work can be simplified to \( mgh \) for all paths. Others explore the implications of the force being non-conservative and how it affects the work done along different trajectories.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the work done along different paths being explored. Some participants have provided calculations for specific paths, while others express confusion over the results and the reasoning behind them. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of the force's non-conservative nature and the need for careful evaluation of integrals along different paths. There is also mention of potential misunderstandings regarding the treatment of variables in the integrals.

UrbanXrisis
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B ------C (5,5)
..|.../|
..|.../..|
O|/___|A

A force acting on a particle moving in the xy plane is given by F=(2yi + x^2j) N, where x and y are in meters. THe particle moves from the origin to a position having coordinates x=5.00m and y=5.00m.

What is the force work done by force F along OAC, OBC, OC.

The answer books shows different answer. Woudln't the work just be mgh for all of them? Obvioulsy not, how would I solve this problem?
 
Last edited:
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By the definition of Work

[tex]W = \int \vec{F } \cdot d \vec{r}[/tex]
 
the integral of F=(2yi + x^2j) is

F=y^2+.3x^3

so W=(y^2+.3x^3)

however, (x,y) is always 5,5, there isn't a change in work
 
No, that's not true, for the first case you must evaluate from O to B, then from B to C and add both works for the OBC path.
 
that doesn't seem to get me any new answers.

O-->(0,5)B-->(5,0)C is W=(0^2+.3(5)^3)+(5^2+.3(0)^3)

which equals (5^2+.3(5)^3)=66.6

how is it possible to get different numbers?
 
Because that force is not conservative, it depends on the trajectory.

This means that the work done by the particle on a closed circuit or on a path from 1 to 2 and then 2 to 1 depends on the trajectory is not equal to 0, thus the force is not conservative.

The following condition is not met:

[tex]\oint \vec{F} \cdot d \vec{s} = 0[/tex]
 
I don't understand how the force can be different. Do you have an example?
 
UrbanXrisis said:
that doesn't seem to get me any new answers.

O-->(0,5)B-->(5,0)C is W=(0^2+.3(5)^3)+(5^2+.3(0)^3)

which equals (5^2+.3(5)^3)=66.6

how is it possible to get different numbers?

What do you mean not getting different answers?

Probably your limits are wrong.

For example for the OBC Path

You first find the work from OB which means to Integrate from 0 to 5 with a differential dy

[tex]W_{ob} = \int_{0}^{5} (2y \hat{i} + x^2 \hat{j}) \cdot dy \hat_{j} = \int_{0}^{5} x^2 dy = 0[/tex]

because x = 0 along this path

Now BC

[tex]W_{bc} = \int_{0}^{5} (2y \hat{i} + x^2 \hat{j}) \cdot dx \hat_{i} = \int_{0}^{5} 2y dx = 50[/tex]

because y = 5

The work along OBC is 50 Joules.
 
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why is OB=0? there is a change in height.
 
  • #10
Because x = 0 and is considered a constant in the integral, what is considered a variable is what the differential tell us.

[tex]W_{ob} = x^2 \int_{0}^{5} dy[/tex]

Also Remember:

[tex]\hat{i} \cdot \hat{j} = \hat{i} \cdot \hat{k} = \hat{j} \cdot \hat{k} = 0[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #11
for:
[tex]W_{ob} = \int_{0}^{5} (2y \hat{i} + x^2 \hat{j}) dy \hat_{j} = \int_{0}^{5} x^2 dy = 0[/tex]

why was the y value disregarded?

for:
[tex]W_{bc} = \int_{0}^{5} (2y \hat{i} + x^2 \hat{j}) dx \hat_{i} = \int_{0}^{5} 2y dx = 50[/tex]

how does:
[tex]\int_{0}^{5} 2y dx = 50[/tex]
when
[tex]\int_{0}^{5} 2y dx =y^2 = 25[/tex]
 
  • #12
It was disregarded because of

[tex]\hat{i} \cdot \hat{j} = \hat{i} \cdot \hat{k} = \hat{j} \cdot \hat{k} = 0[/tex]

and read above
 
  • #13
I'm sorry but I have no idea what that means

Is there another way to approach this without integrals?
 
  • #14
Not that i know of, urban.
 

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