A Question from Your Boss

Your boss uses the gradient theorem to predict the work expended by sending a rocket on the path parametrized by: g(t) = (3 + 3 cos(2*Pi*t), 3 sin(2*Pi*t)) for 0 < t < 1. He decides the total work is zero.

Question #5

Compute how much energy is required for the last half of the trip by calculating
Explain to your boss on physical grounds why his plan won't work.
Explain to your boss the mathematical reason why he can't apply the gradient theorem in this case. (Harder)

Up: Introduction
Previous: The Gradient Theorem

Frederick J. Wicklin <fjw@geom.umn.edu>

Brian Burt<burt@geom.umn.edu>

Document Created: Mon Jan 9 1995
Last modified: Tue Mar 7 18:10:12 1995