Question
Physics Question on work, energy and power
A particle moves along the x-axis from x=x1 to x=x2 under the action of a force given by F=2x. Then the work done in the process is
A
zero
B
x22−x12
C
2x2(x2−x1)
D
2x1(x1−x2)
Answer
x22−x12
Explanation
Solution
Mechanical work (W) is the force applied through a distance, defined mathematically as the line integral of a scalar product of force (F) and displacement (dx) vectors
W=∫Fdx
Given F=2x
hence W=x1∫x22xdx
=2[2x2]x1x2 =x22−x12