# Homework Help: Force and Work.

1. Mar 23, 2010

### JasonPF

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A force F = bx$$^{3}$$ acts in the x-direction. How much work is done by this force in moving an object
from x = 0.0 m to x = 2.6 m? The value of b is 3.7 N/m3.

$$\Delta$$x = 2.6m

2. Relevant equations
W = F$$\Delta$$x
F = bx$$^{3}$$

3. The attempt at a solution
I have no attempted solutions to this problem. I feel as if I simply am overlooking something very simple. I'm not necessarily looking for an answer, but perhaps someone could point out a concept I may have missed or not shown here that would spark my brain into solving it.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

2. Mar 23, 2010

### kuruman

You have the wrong relevant equation for work. When the force doing work is variable, work is not just "force times displacement." The correct equation for an element of work in one dimension is

$$dW=F_xdx$$

To get the total work you must integrate this expression.

3. Mar 23, 2010

### JasonPF

Thank you very much, as I thought, I was just over looking something. That solved my problem.