An object with a mass of #6 kg# is pushed along a linear path with a kinetic friction coefficient of #u_k(x)= 1+5cotx #. How much work would it take to move the object over #x in [(11pi)/12, (7pi)/8]#, where x is in meters?
1 Answer
Explanation:
Work done by a variable force is defined as the area under the force vs. displacement curve. Therefore, it can be expressed as the integral of force:
#color(darkblue)(W=int_(x_i)^(x_f)F_xdx)# where
#x_i# is the object's initial position and#x_f# is the object's final position
Assuming dynamic equilibrium, where we are applying enough force to move the object but not enough to cause a net force and therefore not enough to cause an acceleration, our parallel forces can be summed as:
#sumF_x=F_a-f_k=0#
Therefore we have that
We also have a state of dynamic equilibrium between our perpendicular forces:
#sumF_y=n-F_g=0#
#=>n=mg#
We know that
#vecf_k=mu_kmg#
#=>color(darkblue)(W=int_(x_i)^(x_f)mu_kmgdx)#
We have the following information:
#|->"m"=6"kg"# #|->mu_k(x)=1+5cot(x)# #|->x in[(11pi)/12,(7pi)/8]# #|->g=9.81"m"//"s"^2#
Returning to our integration, know the
#color(darkblue)(W=mgint_(x_i)^(x_f)mu_kdx)#
Substituting in our known values:
#=>W=(6)(9.81)int_((11pi)/12)^((7pi)/8)1+5cot(x)dx#
This is a basic integral.
#=>W~~107.39#
Therefore, we have that the work done is
