How to Write Formulas in Physics Forums

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a particle moving in the x direction under the influence of a net force defined as F(x) = Cx^2. The original poster seeks to determine the change in kinetic energy, deltaK, as the particle moves from an initial position of L to a final position of 3L, expressing the answer in terms of C and L.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the change in kinetic energy but suspects an error in their result, indicating they received feedback about a multiplicative factor. Other participants discuss the work done on the particle and its independence from the particle's speed, while also providing an integral expression for the work done.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between work and kinetic energy, with some guidance provided regarding the calculation of work. There is an ongoing dialogue about the correct formulation and interpretation of the problem, but no consensus has been reached regarding the original poster's calculation.

Contextual Notes

There is a note regarding the posting of complete solutions, emphasizing the forum's policy against providing full answers to homework questions. Additionally, a participant inquires about how to write formulas, indicating a need for clarification on formatting within the forum.

horsegirl09
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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?
 
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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.
 

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