A force F = –K(yî + xĵ) (where K is a positive constant) acts on a particle moving in the x-y plane. Starting from the origin, the particle is taken along the positive x-axis to the point (a, 0) and then parallel to the y-axis to the point (a, a). The total work done by the force F on the particle is ?

Question

A force  F = –K(yî + xĵ) (where K is a positive constant) acts on a particle moving in the x-y plane. Starting from the origin, the particle is taken along the positive x-axis to the point (a, 0) and then parallel to the y-axis to the point (a, a). The total work done by the force F on the particle is ?

parthkohli · Answer

The force vector is given.

The displacement vector is $a\hat i + a\hat j$

anonymous · Answer

But force ain't constant!

parthkohli · Answer

oh yeah.

parthkohli · Answer

but isn't $W = \vec F \cdot \vec d$

anonymous · Answer

yes it is!

parthkohli · Answer

can we use the information to find the values of -K, y and x?