Using a Force equation to find out how much WORK is done.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 2.0 kg block subjected to a complex force function as it moves horizontally. The force is expressed in component form, with terms that include position-dependent variables and a coefficient of kinetic friction. The objective is to determine the work done by this force as the block moves from x=0m to x=2.0m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem, with some questioning the nature of the force function and its components. There are discussions about the integration of the force function to find work, as well as concerns regarding the units of the terms in the force expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their interpretations of the force function and expressing confusion about the initial steps to take. Some have pointed out potential issues with the units in the force expression, indicating a need for clarification. No consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexity of the force function and its implications for calculating work, while also adhering to the constraints of the homework assignment. There is a noted lack of initial attempts to solve the problem, primarily due to uncertainty about the approach.

Larin
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Homework Statement



A 2.0 kg block is acted on by the following force
Force=[(2N/m)x-(5N/m2)x2]{ihat}+[(13N/(1/m2)x2-(6/m)x+7)e-x^2/(2m^2)cos{(2∏)x/3m}]{jhat}

as the object moves horizontally along a surface. In the expression for the force, x indicates the position of the block along the horizontal axis. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the horizontal surface is 0.05. How much work does the given force do on the block as the block moves horizontally along the surface from x=0m to x=2.0m?N is Newtons
m is Meters

Homework Equations



I am not sure...

The Attempt at a Solution



I have not attempted it because I am not sure where to start at all!
 
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Force=[(2N/m)x-(5N/m2)x2]{ihat}+[(13N/(1/m2)x2-(6/m)x+7)e-x^2/(2m^2)cos{(2∏)x/3m}]{jhat}

What is the function?
 
That is the force function in component form. Force= (2Newtons/Meter)x...
I am not sure where to even start.
 
Okay, but where do I start if it is the integral F(x) dx?
 
Larin said:
A 2.0 kg block is acted on by the following force
Force=[(2N/m)x-(5N/m2)x2]{ihat}+[(13N/(1/m2)x2-(6/m)x+7)e-x^2/(2m^2)cos{(2∏)x/3m}]{jhat}

As written, the way I parse it, your force formula looks like this:
F = \left [ 2\frac{N}{m}x-5\frac{N}{m^2}x^2 \right ]\,\hat i + \left[\left ( \frac{13 N}{\frac{1}{m^2}}x^2 - \frac{6}{m}x + 7 \right )e^{-\frac{x^2}{2 m^2}} cos(2 \pi \frac{x}{3 m})\right]\,\hat j

The units don't look right for the coefficient of the j term.
 
I know that the 13N is over the entire 1/m^2x^2-6/mx+7
 

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