Calculating Work in Terms of Final Velocity and Time?

In summary, the work done on a body accelerating uniformly from rest to a speed of v_{f} in time t_{f} can be expressed as \frac{1}{2}m\frac{v_{f}^2}{t_{f}^2} t^2. This is derived by considering the distance traveled by the object and the constant force acting on it.
  • #1
Weave
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0

Homework Statement


A body of mass m accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed [tex]v_{f}[/tex]
in time [tex]t_{f}[/tex]
Show that the work done on the body as a function of time, in terms of [tex]v_{f}[/tex],[tex]t_{f}[/tex] is:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}m\frac{v_{f}^2}{t_{f}^2} t^2[/tex]

Homework Equations


1)[tex] W=\int F*dx[/tex]
2)[tex]V_{f}=at[/tex]
3)[tex]F=m\frac{V}{t}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Well I know I would start out integrating equation 1 with equation 3.
Then what?
 
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  • #2
Since the acceleration is uniform (i.e. constant) So is the force and thus the integral is not required. You're on the right lines with equation 3, but you need to consider the distance traveled by the object aswell. Think of the uniform acceleration equations.
 
  • #3
Ah of course I get it now:
[tex]r=\frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex]
[tex]W=F*r \longrightarrow \frac{1}{2}ma^2t^2 \longrightarrow \frac{1}{2}m\frac{v^2}{t_{f}^2}t^2[/tex]
 
  • #4
So the thing to remember from this about work is that if the force is constant then its simply the force multiplied by the distance (or in vector terms the dot product) and if the force varies you have to integrate.
 

What is work?

Work is a measure of the energy required to move an object over a certain distance. It is typically measured in joules (J) and is calculated by multiplying force (in newtons) by distance (in meters).

How is work related to time?

Work is a function of time, meaning that it depends on the amount of time it takes to perform the task. For example, if two people do the same amount of work, but one person takes longer to complete the task, the person who takes longer has a lower power output.

What is the formula for work?

The formula for work is W = F * d, where W is work (in joules), F is force (in newtons), and d is distance (in meters).

How does work change over time?

The amount of work done over time depends on the power output, which is the rate at which work is done. The higher the power output, the more work can be done in a shorter amount of time.

How can work be measured?

Work can be measured using various tools such as a spring scale or a dynamometer, which measure force, and a measuring tape or ruler, which measure distance. These measurements can then be used to calculate work using the formula W = F * d.

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