Class 11 Physics simulations · Work, Energy and Power

Work done by a variable force

A force that grows with displacement pushes a block. The work is the area under the F–x graph.

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What to notice

For a linearly increasing force, the area is a trapezium — average force times displacement.

Key relation

W = ∫F dx = F₀(x₂ − x₁) + ½k(x₂² − x₁²)

Try this

Set F₀ = 0. Compare the work from 0 → 1 m and 1 → 2 m.

What you can change

• Initial force F₀: 0 to 20 N
• Force gradient k: 0 to 20 N/m
• Start x₁: 0 to 2 m
• End x₂: 0.5 to 4 m

More in Work, Energy and Power

• Ballistic pendulum
• Elastic collision
• Conservation of energy
• Power of a lifting motor
• Glancing collision of two balls
• Spring launcher and energy transfer
• Motion in a vertical circle
• Work done by a force at an angle

See all Class 11 Physics simulations or every Physica simulation.