The problem involves calculating the work done by a force field F(x,y) along two curves, C1 and C2, defined for a specific range of y-values. The curves are given by the equations C1 (x=-y^2+3y) and C2 (x=0), and the discussion centers on the implications of traversing these curves in a retrograde direction.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to show work and organize the approach for curve C2. There is a recognition that the force may be conservative, prompting further inquiry into how to demonstrate this.
Participants note the importance of showing work as part of the homework guidelines, and there is a focus on the need for clear parametrization of the curves involved in the calculation.
jedishrfu said:When you traverse the curve do you wind up at your staring point? if so then the work is zero by definition, right?
portuguese said:How do I do it for C2? I think this is the biggest problem for me.
jedishrfu said:When you traverse the curve do you wind up at your staring point? if so then the work is zero by definition, right?
As algebrat suggests, following on what jedishrfu said (hopefully jedishrfu had already noted, but forgot to say, that the force is conservative) the simplest way to do that is show that the force is conservative. portugese, do you know how to do that?algebrat said:This is not true in general. (If you have a conservative force then it is true; this force happens to be conservative, but how would you show that?)