A 3.00-kg particle moves from the origin to position C , having coordinates x =

Question

A 3.00-kg particle moves from the origin to position C, having coordinates x = 6.50 m and y = 6.50 m (see figure below). One force on the particle is the gravitational force acting in the negative y direction.

(a) the purple path (OAC)
J

(b) the red path (OBC)
J

(c) the blue path (OC)
J

(d) Your results should all be identical. Why?

- because the gravitational force is conservative

or

- because the gravitational force is nonconservative   

A 3.00-kg particle moves from the origin to position C, having coordinates x = 6.50 m and y = 6.50 m (see figure below). One force on the particle is the gravitational force acting in the negative y direction. R --> , calculate the work done by the gravitational force on the particle as it goes from O to C along the following paths. (a) the purple path (OAC) J (b) the red path (OBC) J (c) the blue path (OC) J (d) Your results should all be identical. Why? - because the gravitational force is conservative or - because the gravitational force is nonconservative F --> Using the equation W = F?r cos ? =

Explanation / Answer

Realize that the work done by gravity is alligned vertically along the y-axis. In other words, we don't care what the horizontal, x, component is as any work done in the x direction will not be done by gravity.

Then realize that work is equal to force * distance, W=f*d.

What is the force of gravity acting on the particle?

The particle's mass is 6.00kg. g= accelleration = -9.8m/s^2.

force = mass * acelleration

f = 6.00kg * -9.8m/s^2

f = -58.8 N

We have the force. Now we need the distance traveled in the y direction.

It starts at the origin, y=0. It ends at 6.5m.

W = f * d

W = -58.8N * 6.5m

W = 382.2 J

Regardless of which path you take, the change in the y-component/height will be the same so the work done is independent of the path. i.e. a, b, and c are all 382.2J

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.