Find Work of a Force Acted on Mass over Frictionless Surface

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the work done by a force acting on a mass moving along a frictionless surface. The force is defined as F(x) = 5x^3, and the mass transitions from x = 2m to x = 6m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the force function to determine work done. There is also a question regarding the speed of the mass at a different position, prompting a consideration of kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the calculations presented, while others note discrepancies with a reference value from a book. The conversation indicates that multiple interpretations of significant figures and rounding may be influencing the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of significant figures in their calculations, particularly regarding the mass of 1 kg and its effect on the final answer for work done.

mrsteve
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Homework Statement


A force given by F(x)=5x^3 (in \frac {N}{m^3}) acts on a 1-kg mass moving on a frictionless surface. The mass moves from x = 2m to x = 6m.

a) How much work is done by the force?

Homework Equations



W=\int F_x from x_o to x_f

The Attempt at a Solution



\int 5x^3 from x=2 to x=6 = 1.6*10^3

Is this correct?
 
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Looks correct to me, mrsteve.
 
Also, if the speed of the mass is 2 m/s @ x=2 what is the speed at x=6?

KE=\frac{mv^2}{2}

1600=\frac{(1)(v^2)}{2} => v=5.6*10^1 = 60 m/s

Would that be correct?
 
Ignea_unda said:
Looks correct to me, mrsteve.

The book has 2,000 J. I suppose that's because there's only 1 significant digit in mass = 1kg?

1.6 *10^3 => 2 *10^3
 

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