A small particle moves to position $5 \hat{i}-2 \hat{j}+\hat{k}$ from its initial position $2 \hat{i}+3 \hat{j}-4 \hat{k}$ under the action of force $5 \hat{i}+2 \hat{j}+7 \hat{k} \mathrm{~N}$. The value of work done will be __________ J.
Answer (integer)
40
Solution
The given expression calculates the work done by a force vector $\vec{F} = 5\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 7\hat{k}$ when it acts on an object that moves from an initial position vector $\vec{r}_i = 2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} - 4\hat{k}$ to a final position vector $\vec{r}_f = 5\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}$.
<br/><br/>To find the work done, we use the dot product of the force and displacement vectors :
<br/><br/>$$
\begin{aligned}
& W=\vec{F} \cdot\left(\vec{r}_f-\vec{r}_{\mathrm{i}}\right) \\\\
& =(5 \hat{i}+2 \hat{j}+7 \hat{k}) \cdot((5 \hat{i}-2 \hat{j}+\hat{k})-(2 \hat{i}+3 \hat{j}-4 \hat{k})) \\\\
& =(5 \hat{i}+2 \hat{j}+7 \hat{k}) \cdot(3 \hat{i}-5 \hat{j}+5 \hat{k}) \\\\
& =15-10+35 \\\\
& =40 \mathrm{~J}
\end{aligned}
$$
About this question
Subject: Physics · Chapter: Work, Energy and Power · Topic: Work Done by a Force
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