Math 106 Calculus II

Second Semester, AY 2020 - 2021

Module 12
Volume of a Solid Revolution
I. Topics

A. Work
1. Formula for work
2. Integration of problems on work
3. Application of the definite integral on work

II. Learning Objectives

At the end of the chapter, the students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency about the application of definite integral on problems related to

work.
2. identify the formula for work and derive the integration formulas.
3. Apply the formula for solving problems applying the definite integral on problems related
to work.

III. Content
See PowerPoint Presentation (pptx)

Work
In physics, we noted that if the direction of a constant force F is along the line of motion,
the work W done in displacing the body a distance d is given by the relation
W = Fd
This relation (or formula) cannot be used directly to calculate the work done when the
force is not constant. However, it can be used to approximate the work done over a short interval
assuming that the force remains constant over that short interval.
Definition
Let the function f be continuous on the closed interval [a, b] and f(x) units be the force
acting on an object at the point x on the axis. Then if W units is the work done by the force as the
object moves from a to b,
n
W =lim ∑ ¿¿
││∆ ││ → i = 1
0
 b

W = ∫ f ( x ) dx
a

Examples:
1. A particle is moving along the x axis under the action of force of f(x) pounds when the
particle is x feet from the origin. If f(x) = x 2 + 4, find the work done as the particle moves
from the point where x = 2 to the point where x = 4.

Solution: we take a partition of the closed interval [2, 4]. If W foot-pounds is the work
done as the particle moves from the point where x = 2 to the point where x = 4, then from
the definition
n
W =lim ∑ ¿¿
││∆ ││ → i0= 1

W = ∫ f ( x ) dx
a

4
2
W = ∫ (x + 4) dx
2
4

x3
= + 4x
3 2

43 23
=[ + 4(4)] – [ + 4(2)]
3 3

64
=( + 16 ) – (83 + 8)
3

2
= 26 ft-lb
3

In the following example we use Hooke’s Law, which states that if a spring is stretched x units
beyond its natural length, it is pulled back with a force equal to kx units, where k is a constant
depending on the material and size of the spring.
2. A spring has a natural length of 14 cm. if a force of 500 dynes is required to keep the
spring stretched 2 cm, how much work is done in stretching the spring from its natural
length to a length of 18 cm?
Solution: Place a string along x axis with the origin at the point where the stretching starts.
Let f(x) be the force required to stretch the spring x centimeters beyond its natural length.
Then by Hooke’s law
f(x) = kx because f(2) = 500, we have
500 = k•2
k = 250
Thus, f(x) = 250x
Because the spring is being stretched from 14 cm to 18 cm, we consider a partition of the
closed interval [0, 4] on the x axis. Let ∆ 1 x centimeter be the length of the ith subinterval and
ε 1be any point in that sub interval. If W ergs is the work done in stretching the spring from 14
cm to 18 cm, then
b

W = ∫ f ( x ) dx
a

W = ∫ 250 x dx
0
4

250 x 2
=
2 0

250 ( 4 )2
= –0
2

= 2000 ergs

3. If a force of 50 lb stretches a 12in spring to 14 in, find the work done in stretching the
spring from 15 to 17.

Solution: we begin by finding the proportionality constant k for this problem. Since f(x) =
50lb when x = 14 – 12 in, then by equation we have,

50 = k(2)

K = 25

Thus, in general, f(x) = 25x. The limits of integration are

a = 15-12 = 3 b = 17 -12 = 5

we get,
 b

W = ∫ f ( x ) dx
a

W = ∫ 25 x dx
3
5

25 x 2
=
2 3

= ¿] –¿]

= 200 in-lb

4. A conical vessel full of water is 16 ft across the top and 12 ft deep. Find the work
required to pump all the water to a point 2 ft above the top of the vessel.

Solution: take the coordinate axes shown in the figure. Draw a cylindrical element of
thickness dy at a distance y from the x axis. Then h = 14 – y and dv = πx2dy. Substituting
with a = 0 and b = 12, we have
12
2y
W = w ∫ ( 14− y ) πx2dy by similar triangles we get x =
0
3
12
4 πw (
W= ∫ 14 y 2− y 3 )dy
9 0

= 512 πw ft-lb

References
 Feliciano and Uy, Differential and Integral Calculus
 Leithhold, Harper & Row The Calculus with Analytic Geometry 6 th Edition

 Lial, Margaret L., Hornsby, John, Schneider, David I. Trigonometry ninth edition

V. Post Test

A. Solve for the following problems applying the definite integral on work.

1. An unstretched spring is 10 ft long. A pull of 40lb stretches the spring by ½ ft. find the
work done in stretching the spring from 10 ft to 4 ft.
2. The natural length of a spring is 8in. a force of 20 lb stretches the spring at 10in. find the
work done in stretching the spring from its natural length to 12 in.

3. A conical tent is 12 ft across the top and 8 ft deep. It contains water to a depth of 6ft. find
the wrok done in pumping the water to a point 2 ft above the top of the tank.