Solution Found!
Answer: An object is attracted toward the origin with a
Chapter 6, Problem 71P(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 71P
An object is attracted toward the origin with a force given by Fx = −k/x2. (Gravitational and electrical forces have this distance dependence.) (a) Calculate the work done by the force Fx when the object moves in the x-direction from x1 to x2. If x2 > x1, is the work done by Fx positive or negative? (b) The only other force acting on the object is a force that you exert with your hand to move the object slowly from x1 to x2. How much work do you do? If x2 > x1, is the work you do positive or negative? (c) Explain the similarities and differences between your answers to parts (a) and (b).
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 71P
An object is attracted toward the origin with a force given by Fx = −k/x2. (Gravitational and electrical forces have this distance dependence.) (a) Calculate the work done by the force Fx when the object moves in the x-direction from x1 to x2. If x2 > x1, is the work done by Fx positive or negative? (b) The only other force acting on the object is a force that you exert with your hand to move the object slowly from x1 to x2. How much work do you do? If x2 > x1, is the work you do positive or negative? (c) Explain the similarities and differences between your answers to parts (a) and (b).
ANSWER:
Solution 71P
Step 1:
a) If a force “F” is applied between two positions x1 and x2 of an object, then the work done between these points will be,
Provided, F = - k /x2
Substituting this value in the equation,
If x2>x1, then W will be negative as per the solution which we are getting.