Question

A force F acting on the particle varies with the position x as shown in figure. Find the work done by this force in displacing the particle from
(a) x = -2 m to x = 0
(b) x = 0 to x = 2m

Answer 1

Area under the F-x graph gives the work done by the force in that displacement.

(a) : Work done (from x = -2 m to x=0), $W=-\frac{1}{2}\times 10\times 2=-10J$

(b) : Work done (from x = 0 m to x=2 m), $W=\frac{1}{2}\times 10\times 2=10J$