Deriving the Work Done by an Inverse Square Force in Non-Calculus-Based Introductory Physics Courses
Abstract
I describe a method of evaluating the integral of 1/2r2 with respect to r that uses only algebra and the concept of area underneath a curve, and which does not formally employ any calculus. This is useful for algebra-based introductory physics classes (where the use of calculus is forbidden) to derive the work done by the force of one point charge or mass on another. I extend the method to evaluate any integral of the form ∫rn dr for any integer n ≠ −1.
References
American Association of Medical Colleges (2008) Medical School Admissions Requirements 2010- 2011. Washington, D.C.: American Medical Colleges Publication Department, p.19.
Mulvey P J and Nicholson S (2011) “Physics Enrollments Results from the 2008 Survey of Enrollments and Degrees,” AIP Focus On, February 2011
(http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/physenroll2008.pdf) accessed 19-06-2012.
Mulvey P J and Nicholson S (2011) “Physics Enrollments Results from the 2008 Survey of Enrollments and Degrees,” AIP Focus On, February 2011
(http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/physenroll2008.pdf) accessed 19-06-2012.
Published
2017-03-01
How to Cite
HU, Ben Yu-Kuang.
Deriving the Work Done by an Inverse Square Force in Non-Calculus-Based Introductory Physics Courses.
European Journal of Physics Education, [S.l.], v. 3, n. 3, p. 25-29, mar. 2017.
ISSN 1309-7202.
Available at: <https://eu-journal.org/index.php/EJPE/article/view/115>. Date accessed: 04 may 2024.
Issue
Section
Classroom Physics
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