A 5.0 kg block moves on a straight line.

Question

A 5.0 kg block moves in a straight line on a horizontal frictionless surface under the influence of a force that varies with position as shown. How much work is done by the force as the block moves from origin to x=8.0m?

Answer 1

work = force * Distance.

however, since there is no resistive force, the work done is zero.

In particular, nothing is gained. moving an electron around in an electric field requires work, or lifting something against gravity does work. moving along the ground does no work (gravity wise). and no friction means total work is zero.