Work done by force on moving particle

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by a force vector, F = -(5yx^2)i + (4y^3)j, on a moving particle from the point (-2,4) to (5,10). The correct approach involves evaluating a path integral, defined as W = ∫_a^b (F_x dx + F_y dy + F_z dz), where each component of the force vector is integrated separately. The participant confirms that integration should be performed with respect to the appropriate variables corresponding to each component of the force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically path integrals
  • Knowledge of force vectors and their components
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics
  • Ability to perform integration with variable limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of vector calculus, focusing on path integrals
  • Learn about the physical interpretation of work done by a force
  • Practice integrating vector fields in multiple dimensions
  • Explore examples of work calculations in different coordinate systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of work done by forces on moving particles.

PinkDaisy
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
My problem is:

A particle is acted on by a force, F=-(5yx^2)i + (4y^3)j
Calculate the work done by F as the particle moves from point (-2,4) to point (5,10)? F is in Newtons and all x's and y's are in meters.

I think that I need to integrate each piece using the points as limits, but I'm not sure what I do with -(5yx^2) Do I only need to integrate with respect to x since it is with the "i" portion of the F?
Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The integral you evaluate when calculating work is called a "Path Integral". From the definition of work,

W = \int_a^b \vec F \cdot d\vec r = \int_a^b F_x dx + F_y dy + F_z dz

Thus you have three integrals: one over each coordinate.

So you are right...the integral over F_x only affects the x variable.
 
Thanks so much!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
886
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K