Question

From "Pushing with non-constant force," question 1: What did you calculate for the total work done by the force F_p in the displacement from position x = 0 m to x = 4 m? How did you reach this answer?

Answer 1

the work done is given by F. d

where F is the force and d is the displacement in that direction of force.

now, in a Force vs displacement graph

the area under the graph gives us the work done.

hence the work done = area under the graph

= area of rectangular area of 15* 4 and 15*(3-2)     plus the area of two triangular regions

= 15* ( 4-0) + ( 30-15)* ( 3-2)    + 0.5* ( 2-0) * 15 + 0.5 * (4-3) * ( 30-20)

work done = 95 J