Integration of a quantity when calculating Work

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    Integration Work
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of work in physics, specifically questioning the formulation of work as an integral of force over distance. Participants explore the implications of using different expressions for work, particularly the distinction between force and the change in force.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that work is defined as the integral of force over distance, expressed as ##w = \int F \cdot ds##.
  • Others argue that using ##dF## in the expression ##dw = \int dF \cdot s## is incorrect because ##dF## represents a change in force, not the force itself, which could violate the definition of work.
  • A participant requests clarification on the physical interpretation of multiplying ##dF## by ##s##.
  • There is a reference to integration by parts, suggesting a mathematical relationship between ##F \cdot ds## and ##dF \cdot s##, but the physical implications of this relationship are questioned.
  • Some participants note that similar questions have been raised in other threads, indicating ongoing discussion on this topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of using ##dF## in the work integral, and multiple competing views remain regarding the correct formulation of work.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of force and change in force, as well as the physical interpretation of the mathematical expressions involved.

Gurasees
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While integrating work we write dw = INT. F.ds. But why can't we write dw = INT. dF.s ?
 
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The definition of work is ##work = force \times distance## and while the force can change over position and over time as we move along some path a distance s, we can generalize it as an integral over the path with ds being a very small distance to handle non-linear paths.

However dF isn't a force its a change in force and if used breaks the definition of work which is ##work = force \times distance## not ##work = change in force \times distance ##.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/wint.html
 
First what do you mean by dF multiplied by s...give the physical interpretation...
 
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Isn't by definition ##\displaystyle w = \int_C f\cdot ds## ?
 
Yes, it is so...
 
Gurasees said:
While integrating work we write dw = INT. F.ds. But why can't we write dw = INT. dF.s ?
Check integration by parts. You will see that f.ds is not the same as df.s but there is a relation between them. That is math. then you will have to see if that has physical sense.
 
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Gurasees said:
While integrating work we write dw = INT. F.ds. But why can't we write dw = INT. dF.s ?
nasu said:
The same question was recently asked in the General Physics section.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/derivation-of-work-done.914895/
That thread was closed yesterday. Is this an attempt to re-open the same discussion?
Thread closed. @Gurasees, please take a look at the thread in the link that @nasu posted.
 

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