How much work is done when moving an object from x_1 to x_2?

[~angel~]

Please help with this question...whatever answer I put in is wrong.

An object is attracted toward the origin with a force given by
F_x = - k / x^{2}. (Gravitational and electrical forces have this distance dependence.)

The only other force acting on the object is a force that you exert with your hand to move the object slowly from x_1 to x_2. How much work do you do?

I know the work of the force of the object is k/x_2 - k/x_1, after you integrate it. But this is the work done by the force exerted with your hand and I'm getting confused. Any help would be very much appreciated. :)

 

[ramollari]

We recently had a question that seems to be exactly the same. Have a look at it in this thread. Hope that it helps you.

 

[~angel~]

Yup...the person must be doing the same unit of study as me...lol. Stupid assignment...thank you so much. :)