A block slides on a nearly friction-free horizontal surface

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

2.0\,\text{kg}

block slides on a nearly friction-free horizontal surface. The net horizontal force acting on the block as a function of position is given by the following data. Position

x\,(\text{m})

: 0 2 4 6 8 Force

F_{x}\,(\text{N})

: 0 3 3 −1 −1 Between the listed positions the force varies linearly with position. (a) Calculate the work done on the block as it moves from

x=0

x=2\,\text{m}

, from

x=2

x=4\,\text{m}

, from

x=4

x=6\,\text{m}

, and from

x=6

x=8\,\text{m}

. Show all work, including the method you use to evaluate each contribution. (b) Determine the net work done on the block over the entire

8\,\text{m}

displacement. (c) Immediately before reaching

x = 0

the block had a speed of

1.5\,\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-1}

. Using your result from part (b), calculate the block’s speed at

x = 8\,\text{m}

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