Finding Work Done by a Force Field: A Math Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by a force field defined as F = 2xy(ux) + (x^2 - z^2)(uy) - 3xz^2(uz) on a particle moving from point A(0,0,0) to point B(2,1,3). The work is determined by evaluating the integral of the dot product of the force field and the differential displacement vector, dl = dx(ux) + dy(uy) + dz(uz). The integral can be expressed as ∫_{A}^{B} F·dr = ∫_{t1}^{t2} F·(dr/dt) dt, where both F and r are functions of the parameter t.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically dot products.
  • Familiarity with parametric equations and integration techniques.
  • Knowledge of force fields and their mathematical representations.
  • Ability to perform line integrals in three-dimensional space.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of line integrals in vector calculus.
  • Learn about parametric equations and how to express vectors in terms of a parameter.
  • Explore the application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to vector fields.
  • Investigate examples of work done by various force fields in physics.
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Students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those studying mechanics and vector calculus, will benefit from this discussion.

zekester
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i have a force field F = 2xy*(ux)+(x^2-z^2)(uy)-3xz^2(uz) where ux,uy,and uz are unit vectors in the direction indicated. I have to find the work done by the field on a particle that travels from A(0,0,0) to
B(2,1,3) on a straight line. work is regarded as the integral from A to B of the dot product of F and dl = dx(ux)+dy(uy)+dz(uz). I'm not quite sure how to do this.
 
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You can introduce a common vairable of integration to solve this.
Since
[tex]\int_{A}^{B} \vec{F}.d\vec{r} = \int_{t1}^{t2} \vec{F}.(\vec{\frac{dr}{dt}}) dt[/tex]

Where [tex]\vec{r}[/tex] (and F) can be expressed as a function of t.
 
Last edited:
ok, thanks
 

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