Derive the work-energy theorem for a variable force exerted on a body in one dimension.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Consider a body of mass $m$ moving in one dimension along the $X$-axis under the influence of a variable force $F(x)$. The kinetic energy $K$ of the body is given by $K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$.
Differentiating $K$ with respect to time $t$:
$\frac{dK}{dt} = \frac{d}{dt} \left( \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \right) = \frac{1}{2}m \cdot 2v \cdot \frac{dv}{dt} = mv \cdot a$
Using Newton's second law,$F = ma$,we substitute $ma$ with $F$:
$\frac{dK}{dt} = Fv$
Since velocity $v = \frac{dx}{dt}$,we have:
$\frac{dK}{dt} = F \frac{dx}{dt}$
Multiplying both sides by $dt$:
$dK = F dx$
Integrating both sides from the initial position $x_i$ (with kinetic energy $K_i$) to the final position $x_f$ (with kinetic energy $K_f$):
$\int_{K_i}^{K_f} dK = \int_{x_i}^{x_f} F(x) dx$
$K_f - K_i = \int_{x_i}^{x_f} F(x) dx$
Since the work done $W$ by a variable force is defined as $W = \int_{x_i}^{x_f} F(x) dx$,we get:
$W = K_f - K_i = \Delta K$
This is the work-energy theorem for a variable force. It states that the work done by the net force on a body equals the change in its kinetic energy.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ ball of mass $20 \ kg$ is at rest on a hill of height $100 \ m$. It starts rolling down,reaches the ground,climbs another hill of height $30 \ m$,and finally rolls down to a horizontal platform at a height of $20 \ m$ from the ground. What will be its velocity at this point? (Assume $g = 10 \ m/s^2$)

Difficult
View Solution

When an object is released,its potential energy $U$ decreases,and its velocity becomes $v$. What is the mass of the object?

$A$ block of mass $m$ is suspended vertically from an elastic string with a force constant $k = mg/a$. Initially,the string is at its natural length and the block is allowed to fall freely. What will be its kinetic energy when the block passes through the equilibrium position?

Difficult
View Solution

In the presence of which of the following is the work-energy theorem valid?

$A$ bus moving on a level road with a velocity $v$ can be stopped at a distance of $x$ by the application of a retarding force $F$. The load on the bus is increased by $25\%$ by boarding the passengers. Now, if the bus is moving with the same speed and if the same retarding force is applied, the distance travelled by the bus before it stops is

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo