How Do You Integrate When F and r Are Vectors?

AI Thread Summary
To integrate when both F and r are vectors, you use the dot product in the expression w = ∫F dr, where F is the force vector and dr is the differential displacement vector. In this case, since the mass moves only along the x-axis, the j component of the force does no work, simplifying the integration to just the x component. The integral becomes w = ∫(5x) dx from 0 to 5.08, yielding approximately 64.5 J. The term dr represents an infinitesimal vector along the path of motion, specifically expressed as i dx + j dy. Understanding this notation clarifies how to approach vector integration in physics problems.
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I have this very simple problem, I am just a little unsure of the notation of the integral.
I am given that a force vector F = (5x i + 4y j) N is applied to a mass and it moves by the vector r = (5.08 i) m. So in other words, there is a variable force and the mass moves only along the x axis.

This problem is ridiculously easy when noting that fact as you simply integrate 5x from 0 to 5.08 as the j component does no work (no r in the j direction.) You get about 64.5 J

That is what I did to solve the problem, but I noticed that it showed this:
w = ∫F dr where F and r are the vectors defined above.

So my question is, how do you go about integrating that considering F and r are vectors? And also, what does dr represent when r is a vector? I am just a bit confused so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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In w = ∫F dr, the F dr part is a dot product, i.e., the scalar Fx dx + Fy dy. dr = i dx + j dy is an infinitesimal vector along the path.
 
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