Simulation · Physics · Class 11
Work is the area under F–x
From the lesson Work done by a variable force in Work, Energy and Power. Change the values and watch what happens.
Work is the area under F–xPhysics · Class 11
The idea behind it
NCERT § "Work Done by a Variable Force"
- When a force varies with position, split the displacement into small steps and add F(x)Δx; in the limit, W = ∫F(x) dx between the initial and final positions.
- Graphically, the work done is the area under the force-displacement graph, taken with sign.
- The work-energy theorem holds for variable forces as well; it is proved by integrating the second law over the displacement.
- Work by a spring from x_i to x_f is −½k(x_f² − x_i²), which follows from integrating F = −kx.
- Area below the displacement axis on an F-x graph represents negative work.