How to Write Formulas in Physics Forums

AI Thread Summary
A particle is subjected to a net force F(x) = Cx^2 while moving from x_initial = L to x_final = 3L, leading to a discussion about calculating the change in kinetic energy, deltaK. The work done on the particle is calculated using the integral of the force, which is independent of the particle's speed. A user reported an incorrect result of 16CL^3 and sought clarification on the calculation process. Another participant emphasized the importance of not posting complete solutions to homework questions in the forum. For writing formulas, users are directed to a LaTeX tutorial available in the Physics Forums.
horsegirl09
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
A particle moving in the x direction is being acted on by a net force F(x)= Cx^2, for some constant C. The particle moves from x_initial= L to x_final= 3L. What is deltaK, the change in kinetic energy of the particle during that time?

Express your answer in terms of C and L.

I got 16CL^3 but it keeps saying I'm off by a multiplicative factor. Anyone know where I', going wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The work done on your particle as it moves in the positive x-direction is:

W = \int_{x=L}^{3L} F(x) dx

Interestingly, this is independent of how fast the particle is travelling.

In your case, you have an explicit form for the force: F = Cx^2, so:

W = \int_{x=L}^{3L} Cx^2 dx

<< rest of complete solution edited out by berkeman >>

Is this better?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks!
 
hi pterid ... how do u write formulas ??

best regards
rayo
 
pterid said:
The work done on your particle as it moves in the positive x-direction is:

W = \int_{x=L}^{3L} F(x) dx

Interestingly, this is independent of how fast the particle is travelling.

In your case, you have an explicit form for the force: F = Cx^2, so:

W = \int_{x=L}^{3L} Cx^2 dx

<< rest of complete solution edited out by berkeman >>

Is this better?

pterid, Please do not post complete solutions to homework/coursework questions. Even though this thread was originally (incorrectly) posted in the general technical forums, it is easy to recognize it as a homework/coursework question, and should be treated as such, even before a Mentor notices it and moves it to the Homework Help forums.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top