Work and Kinetic Energy Problem Set

Solve the following problems with Maple, then compare your answers to my solutions.  See Kinematics 1 Problem Set  for instructions on how to avoid switching back and forth between a problem statement in your browser window and your Maple worksheet.

In all of these problems assume that the acceleration due to gravity is 10 m/s^2 and that there is no air resistance.

(1)  Using Newton's second law and Hooke's law, calculate the work done in stretching a spring 15 cm  beyond its equilibrium point if you know that it takes 36 N to stretch in 2 cm.  Plot force as a function of distance to visually express the work as an area.

(2)  If distance is measured in meters and time in seconds, and a force acts on a 6.0 kg object such that the object's position is described by , then find the work done by the force from t = 0 to t = 6.0 s.   Hint:

If     x = x(t)

then    dx = x'(t) dt

because    dx/dt = x'(t)

Solutions

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