Integration of a quantity when calculating Work

In summary: It has a lot of good information about this topic. Thank you.In summary, the conversation discusses the definition of work and the use of integrals to calculate it. The main question is why we cannot write dw = INT. dF.s instead of dw = INT. F.ds. The reason is that dF is a change in force and does not fit the definition of work. The conversation also mentions using integration by parts and a previous discussion on the same topic. The thread is then closed and a suggestion is made to refer to the previous discussion for more information.
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Gurasees
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While integrating work we write dw = INT. F.ds. But why can't we write dw = INT. dF.s ?
 
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  • #2
The definition of work is ##work = force \times distance## and while the force can change over position and over time as we move along some path a distance s, we can generalize it as an integral over the path with ds being a very small distance to handle non-linear paths.

However dF isn't a force its a change in force and if used breaks the definition of work which is ##work = force \times distance## not ##work = change in force \times distance ##.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/wint.html
 
  • #3
First what do you mean by dF multiplied by s...give the physical interpretation...
 
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  • #4
Isn't by definition ##\displaystyle w = \int_C f\cdot ds## ?
 
  • #5
Yes, it is so...
 
  • #6
Gurasees said:
While integrating work we write dw = INT. F.ds. But why can't we write dw = INT. dF.s ?
Check integration by parts. You will see that f.ds is not the same as df.s but there is a relation between them. That is math. then you will have to see if that has physical sense.
 
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  • #7
  • #8
Gurasees said:
While integrating work we write dw = INT. F.ds. But why can't we write dw = INT. dF.s ?
nasu said:
The same question was recently asked in the General Physics section.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/derivation-of-work-done.914895/
That thread was closed yesterday. Is this an attempt to re-open the same discussion?
Thread closed. @Gurasees, please take a look at the thread in the link that @nasu posted.
 

FAQ: Integration of a quantity when calculating Work

1. What is the concept of integration when calculating work?

Integration is a mathematical process that involves finding the area under a curve. In the context of calculating work, integration is used to determine the total amount of work done when a force is applied over a certain distance.

2. How is integration used to calculate work?

In order to calculate work using integration, the force applied must be expressed as a function of distance. The integration is then performed by taking the integral of this function over the distance traveled.

3. Why is integration necessary when calculating work?

Integration is necessary when calculating work because it allows us to take into account the varying force applied over a distance. Without integration, we would not be able to accurately determine the total amount of work done.

4. What are the units of integration in work calculations?

The units of integration in work calculations are joules (J), which is the standard unit for work. This unit represents the amount of energy required to exert a force of 1 newton over a distance of 1 meter.

5. Are there any limitations to using integration for work calculations?

While integration is a powerful tool for calculating work, it is not always the most practical method. In certain situations, other methods such as the work-energy theorem may be more efficient. Additionally, integration may not be applicable in cases where the force applied is not a continuous function of distance.

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