Physics

Problem

A block of mass

2\,\text{kg}

slides on a friction-free, horizontal track from

x = 0

x = 3\,\text{m}

. The horizontal force acting on the block is given by •

F = 5\,\text{N}

for

0 \le x \le 1\,\text{m}

, •

F = 4x\,\text{N}

for

1\,\text{m} \lt x \le 3\,\text{m}

(with

x

in metres). The speed of the block at the origin is

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

. a. (i) Calculate the work done on the block in the first segment

0 \le x \le 1\,\text{m}

. b. (ii) Calculate the work done on the block in the second segment

1\,\text{m} \lt x \le 3\,\text{m}

. c. (iii) Determine the speed of the block when it reaches

x = 3\,\text{m}