An applied force varies with position

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The applied force varies with position as described by the equation F = k1 xn - k2, with specific values for k1, k2, and n. To calculate the work done by this force as an object moves from 5.13 m to 28.2 m, the integration w = ∫f(x) dx is used, resulting in the expression k1x^4/4 - 56x. A common error identified in the discussion was the omission of the division by 4 in the integration, leading to an incorrect calculation. The correct work done is approximately 378 kJ after converting from joules. The final answer highlights the importance of careful arithmetic in integration problems.
SonRuy
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An applied force varies with position according to F = k1 xn− k2, where n = 3,
k1 = 2.4 N/m3, and k2 = 56 N.
How much work is done by this force on an object that moves from xi = 5.13 m to xf = 28.2 m?
Answer in units of kJ

i keep using the integration equation: w = ∫f(x) dx
where k1x^4/4 - 56x is the new equation which i plug 28.2m and 5.13m and subtract
i get 377736.527
but its wrong, help please?
 
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I haven't checked your arithmetic, but you're attacking the problem in the right way. What's the correct answer that you aren't getting?
 
SonRuy said:
Answer in units of kJ

i keep using the integration equation: w = ∫f(x) dx
where k1x^4/4 - 56x is the new equation which i plug 28.2m and 5.13m and subtract
i get 377736.527
but its wrong, help please?

What is the unit of your result? You need to give the result in units of kJ.

ehild
 
About 1515 kJ?
 
Basic_Physics said:
About 1515 kJ?
No, I also get 377736; but that's J, so the answer should be 377.7kJ.
 
haruspex said:
No, I also get 377736; but that's J, so the answer should be 377.7kJ.

That is the correct result. Maybe it should be rounded to three digits: 378 kJ.

ehild
 
Ok. Left the /4 out.
 
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