Skip to main content
Ch 09: Work and Kinetic Energy
Chapter 9, Problem 9

A 150 g particle at x = 0 is moving at 2.00 m/s in the + x - direction. As it moves, it experiences a force given by Fₓ = (0.250 N) sin (x/2.00 m) . What is the particle's speed when it reaches x = 3.14 m ?

Verified Solution

Video duration:
13m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Newton's Second Law of Motion

Newton's Second Law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This relationship is expressed by the equation F = ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. Understanding this law is crucial for analyzing how the force affects the particle's motion and speed as it travels along the x-axis.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:54
Intro to Forces & Newton's Second Law

Work-Energy Principle

The Work-Energy Principle states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In this scenario, the force acting on the particle does work as it moves from x = 0 to x = 3.14 m, which will change its speed. By calculating the work done by the force over this distance, one can determine the final kinetic energy and thus the final speed of the particle.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:10
The Work-Energy Theorem

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 0.5mv², where m is the mass and v is the velocity. As the particle moves and experiences a varying force, its kinetic energy will change. Understanding how to relate the initial and final kinetic energies will help in finding the particle's speed at the specified position.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:07
Intro to Rotational Kinetic Energy