Is My Calculation of Kinetic Energy Change Correct?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the change in kinetic energy for a block subjected to a variable force as it moves along a frictionless surface. The user initially calculated the force at x=2.6 m as -5.356 N and attempted to find the final velocity, but encountered issues with a negative square in their calculations. They expressed skepticism about their methods and were unsure about how to approach the second part of the problem. Another participant pointed out that the kinematic equation used was inappropriate due to the non-constant acceleration, suggesting integration of the force instead. The user later reported obtaining a kinetic energy of 6.36 J for the first part, but remained confused about the second part of the problem.
Jrlinton
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


ΔKE=W+FcosΘd
KE=.5mv^2
Final Vel^2=initial Velocity^2+2ax

The Attempt at a Solution


So calculate the force at x=2.6 to -5.356N, set 2.6(-5.356)=1.3Vf^2-1.3(0^2) which seemed to prove a problem as the square of the final velocity was negative, but just used that negative square in the difference of kinetic energy equation and got -5.356 J- 0= -5.356 as the change in Kinetic energy or work. I am skeptical of my methods and also a little clueless on the second part of the problem.

Many thanks
 
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Jrlinton said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 107157

Homework Equations


ΔKE=W+FcosΘd
KE=.5mv^2
Final Vel^2=initial Velocity^2+2ax

The Attempt at a Solution


So calculate the force at x=2.6 to -5.356N, set 2.6(-5.356)=1.3Vf^2-1.3(0^2) which seemed to prove a problem as the square of the final velocity was negative, but just used that negative square in the difference of kinetic energy equation and got -5.356 J- 0= -5.356 as the change in Kinetic energy or work. I am skeptical of my methods and also a little clueless on the second part of the problem.

Many thanks
Please display the problem statement in a form that can be read with reasonable effort.

Perhaps, type it out.
 
A 2.6 kg block is initially at rest on a horizontal frictionless surface when a horizontal force in the positive direction of an x axis is applied to the block. The force is given by https://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/shared/assignment/test/session.quest2529127entrance1_N10035.mml?size=14&ver=1475946606896&algorithm=1&rnd=1475946607102 , where x is in meters and the initial position of the block is x = 0. (a) What is the kinetic energy of the block as it passes through x = 2.6 m? (b) What is the maximum kinetic energy of the block between x = 0 and x = 2.6 m?
 
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Jrlinton said:
A 2.6 kg block is initially at rest on a horizontal frictionless surface when a horizontal force in the positive direction of an x axis is applied to the block. The force is given by https://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/shared/assignment/test/session.quest2529127entrance1_N10035.mml?size=14&ver=1475946606896&algorithm=1&rnd=1475946607102 , where x is in meters and the initial position of the block is x = 0. (a) What is the kinetic energy of the block as it passes through x = 2.6 m? (b) What is the maximum kinetic energy of the block between x = 0 and x = 2.6 m?
That's better. We also have:
F(x) = (4.7 - x2)i Newtons.
or
##\ \vec F (x)=(4.7-x^2)\hat i \ ##​

What is F at x = 0? What is F at other locations?
 
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Jrlinton said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 107157

Homework Equations


ΔKE=W+FcosΘd
KE=.5mv^2
Final Vel^2=initial Velocity^2+2ax

The Attempt at a Solution


So calculate the force at x=2.6 to -5.356N, set 2.6(-5.356)=1.3Vf^2-1.3(0^2) which seemed to prove a problem as the square of the final velocity was negative, but just used that negative square in the difference of kinetic energy equation and got -5.356 J- 0= -5.356 as the change in Kinetic energy or work. I am skeptical of my methods and also a little clueless on the second part of the problem.

Many thanks

Your formula ##V_f^2 = V_i^2 + 2ax## does not work; it assumes that ##a## is a constant, which is not true in this problem.
 
Okay so I integrated the force to 4.7x-x^3/3. I am unsure of what to do next
 
I am silly. I got 6.36 J for part 1. Now part 2 is a bit more confusing
 
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