For a variable force F along a path from point A to B:
W
📚 Practice Problems
1Problem 1medium
❓ Question:
A variable force F(x) = (10 - 2x) N acts on a 3.0 kg object, where x is in meters. The object starts from rest at x = 0. Find: (a) the work done from x = 0 to x = 4 m, (b) the final speed at x = 4 m, and (c) the power delivered at x = 2 m.
Calculating work using line integrals and instantaneous power
How can I study Work and Power effectively?▾
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Practice with the 3 problems provided, checking solutions as you go. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
Is this Work and Power study guide free?▾
Yes — all study notes, flashcards, and practice problems for Work and Power on Study Mondo are 100% free. No account is needed to access the content.
What course covers Work and Power?▾
Work and Power is part of the AP Physics C: Mechanics course on Study Mondo, specifically in the Work and Energy section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.
Are there practice problems for Work and Power?
=
∫ABF⋅
dr
In one dimension:
W=∫x1x2Fxdx
In three dimensions:
W=∫AB(Fxdx+Fydy+Fzdz)
Work-Energy Theorem
From Newton's second law:
F=mdtdv=mdxdvdtdx=mvdxdv
Fdx=mvdv
Integrating:
∫x1x2Fdx=∫v1v2mvdv
W=21mv22−21mv12=ΔKE
Work-energy theorem:Wnet=ΔKE
Common Force Examples
Constant Force
W=F⋅d=Fdcosθ
where θ is angle between force and displacement.
Spring Force
F=−kx
W=∫0x(−kx′)dx′=−21kx2
(Work done by spring; work done on spring is positive)
Gravity Near Earth's Surface
W=∫y1y2(−mg)dy=−mg(y2−y1)=−mgΔh
Inverse Square Force (Gravity/Electrostatic)
F=−r2k
W=∫r1r2(−r2k)dr=k(r21−r1
Power
Instantaneous power:P=dtdW
Since dW=F⋅dr:
P=dtdW=F⋅dtdr=F⋅v
In one dimension:P=Fv
Average Power
Pavg=ΔtW
Power and Kinetic Energy
P=dtdKE=dtd(21mv2)=mvdtdv=mva=Fv
Work on Variable Mass Systems
For rocket with exhaust velocity ve relative to rocket:
Power delivered by engine:
P=Fthrust⋅v=vreldtdm⋅v
Example: Work Against Drag
Object moving through fluid with drag Fd=−bv2:
W=∫0dFddx=−b∫0dv2dx
If v(t) is known, use dx=vdt:
W=−b∫0Tv3dt
This work is dissipated as heat.
W=∫04F(x)dx=∫04(10−2x)dx
W=[10x−x2]04=40−16
W=24 J
(b) Final speed at x = 4 m:
Using work-energy theorem:
W=ΔKE=21mv2−0
24=21(3.0)v2
v2=16
v=4.0 m/s
(c) Power at x = 2 m:
First find velocity at x = 2:
W0→2=∫02(10−2x)dx=20−4=16 J
21(3.0)v22=16⟹v2=3.27 m/s
Force at x = 2:
F(2)=10−2(2)=6 N
Power:
P=F⋅v=(6)(3.27)
P=19.6 W
2Problem 2hard
❓ Question:
A car of mass m = 1200 kg accelerates from rest. Its engine provides constant power P = 60 kW. Neglecting friction, find: (a) the velocity as a function of time, (b) the time to reach v = 25 m/s, and (c) the distance traveled in this time.
💡 Show Solution
Given:
m = 1200 kg
P = 60 kW = 60,000 W
v₀ = 0
(a) Velocity as function of time:
P=Fv=mav=mvdtdv
dtdv=mvP
Separating variables:
vdv=mPdt
∫0vv′dv
2v2=m
v2=m2Pt
v(t)=m
(b) Time to reach 25 m/s:
25=10t
t=2.5
t=6.25 s
(c) Distance traveled:
v=dtdx=10t
dx=10tdt
x=∫06.2510t
x=320(6.25)3/2=
x=104 m
3Problem 3easy
❓ Question:
A pump lifts water from a well of depth h = 20 m at a rate of dm/dt = 15 kg/s. Find: (a) the power required (ignoring kinetic energy of water), (b) if the pump is 75% efficient, what is the actual power input needed? (c) How much water is lifted in 5 minutes?
💡 Show Solution
Given:
h = 20 m
dm/dt = 15 kg/s
g = 9.8 m/s²
Efficiency = 75%
(a) Power required:
Rate of change of potential energy:
P=dtdU=dtd(mgh)
P=(9.8)(20)(15)
P=2940 W=2.94 kW
(b) Actual power input:
Pinput=ηP
Pinput=3920 W=3.92 kW
(c) Water lifted in 5 minutes:
Δm=dtdm⋅Δt=(15
Δm=4500 kg
Volume (ρ = 1000 kg/m³):
V=ρm=1000
▾
Yes, this page includes 3 practice problems with detailed solutions. Each problem includes a step-by-step explanation to help you understand the approach.