Determine work in circular motion

In summary: The two expressions are equivalent.In summary, the problem involves an object moving along a half circle of radius R, with a constant force F acting on it at a 30 degree angle with respect to the tangent to the circle. To determine the work done by this force, the integral of Fcosθdl is used. While the force is constant, its magnitude is constant, hence the need for integration. The expression Fcosθdl is equivalent to the dot product of the force and the distance element vector, which can also be used to calculate the work done. Limits for integration are written as _lower^upper and degrees are written as ^\circ.
  • #1
Calpalned
297
6

Homework Statement


An object, moving along the circumference of a circle with radius ##R##, is acted upon by a force of constant magnitude F. The force is directed at all times at a ## 30 \degrees ## angle with respect to the tangent to the circle. Determine the work done by this force when the object moves along the half circle from A to B.

Homework Equations


N/a

The Attempt at a Solution


My solutions guide tells me to us ##\int (Fcos \theta dl)## The question stated "constant force", so why do we need to integrate? Why can't I use F dot D?

Thank you!

By the way, how do I write in limits for integration?
 
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  • #2
Calpalned said:

Homework Statement


An object, moving along the circumference of a circle with radius ##R##, is acted upon by a force of constant magnitude F. The force is directed at all times at a ## 30 \degrees ## angle with respect to the tangent to the circle. Determine the work done by this force when the object moves along the half circle from A to B.

Homework Equations


N/a

The Attempt at a Solution


My solutions guide tells me to us ##\int (Fcos \theta dl)## The question stated "constant force", so why do we need to integrate? Why can't I use F dot D?

Thank you!

By the way, how do I write in limits for integration?
limits for integration: _lower ^upper , i.e. subscript, superscript . Degrees: ^\circ

F is not constant. Its magnitude is constant.

What do you mean by D ? "Why can't I use F dot D"
 
Last edited:
  • #3
If by D you mean the distance element vector ##\vec {dl}## then ##F \cos(\theta)dl = \vec F . \vec D##.
 

FAQ: Determine work in circular motion

What is circular motion?

Circular motion is the movement of an object along a circular path or orbit around a central point. This type of motion is characterized by a constant distance between the object and the central point, and a continuous change in direction.

How is work defined in circular motion?

In circular motion, work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance that object moves in the direction of the force. This means that for work to be done, there must be a force acting on the object and the object must move in the direction of that force.

What is the formula for calculating work in circular motion?

The formula for calculating work in circular motion is W = F x d x cosθ, where W is work, F is the applied force, d is the distance traveled, and θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion. This formula takes into account the fact that the direction of the force may not be the same as the direction of motion in circular motion.

How does work in circular motion differ from work in linear motion?

In linear motion, the force and the direction of motion are always aligned, so the formula for work is simply W = F x d. In circular motion, the direction of the force may not be the same as the direction of motion, so the angle between them must be taken into account in the formula.

What are some real-life examples of circular motion and work?

Some examples of circular motion and work include a satellite orbiting the Earth, a car going around a circular track, and a person swinging a ball on a string. In each of these cases, there is a force acting on an object to keep it moving in a circular path, and work is being done in order to maintain that motion.

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