Work done by General Variable force

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by a variable force defined by the equation F = F0(x/x0 - 1) as a particle moves along the x-axis from x = 0 to x = 2x0. The context is rooted in the principles of work and force in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of the limits of integration and the implications of the force equation. There is uncertainty regarding the nature of the integration limits, particularly the role of x0 in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the integration limits and the resulting implications for the work done. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration process, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of the limits.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of undetermined constants F0 and x0, which may affect the understanding of the problem. Participants are questioning the setup of the integral and its limits, indicating potential confusion in the problem statement.

1MileCrash
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Homework Statement



The force on a particle is directed along an x-axis and is given by F = F0(x/x0 - 1).

Find the work done by the force in moving the particle from x = 0 to x = 2x0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



It looks like the force is a recurrence relation or something...

[itex]W = \int^{2x_{0}}_{0} F_{0}(x/x_{0}-1) dx[/itex]

I don't really understand.. unless I just take x0 to be the lower limit of integration, 0, and then 2x0 is just also 0, leaving me integrating from 0 to 0... which is just 0, but that seems to render this an absurdly stupid question.
 
Last edited:
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F0 and x0 are undetermined constant.

ehild
 
So x0 is could not be described as lower limit of integration? I see it as integrating from original x position to two times original x position, which in this case is 0 to 0, which means the integral is 0?

How do you view it?
 
1MileCrash said:
So x0 is could not be described as lower limit of integration? I see it as integrating from original x position to two times original x position, which in this case is 0 to 0, which means the integral is 0?

How do you view it?

X0 is just a number and the upper limit of integration is 2X0, the lover limit is zero.

Yes, the integral is 0. The antiderivative is F0(x2/(2x0)-x), which returns 0 between the limits.

ehild
 

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