Calculating Work Done on a 50kg Crate by 100N Force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the work done on a 50-kg crate being pulled 40 m by a 100 N force at a 37-degree angle above the horizontal. Participants are exploring how to incorporate the angle into the work calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for work and the importance of the angle in determining the effective force acting on the crate. Some express confusion about how to apply the angle in the calculation, while others suggest using the horizontal component of the force.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of how to properly calculate work with the given parameters. Some participants have provided guidance on using the cosine of the angle, while others are questioning the assumptions about force components and their effects on the crate.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the angle on the force's effectiveness and whether the vertical component affects the normal force acting on the crate. There is a recognition of the need to clarify these aspects without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Drey0287
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A 50-kg crate is pulled 40 m along a horizontal floor by a constant 100 N force exerted by a person which acts at a 37 degree angle above the horizontal. Determine the work done on the crate.

I know the equation for work is

work = F * delta X (triangleX) OR work = m*acceleration*deltaX

But where do I use the 37 degree angle?
 
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You have to take into account the direction of the force
W=Fxcos(theta)
 
Last edited:
Drey0287 said:
A 50-kg crate is pulled 40 m along a horizontal floor by a constant 100 N force exerted by a person which acts at a 37 degree angle above the horizontal. Determine the work done on the crate.

I know the equation for work is

work = F * delta X (triangleX) OR work = m*acceleration*deltaX

But where do I use the 37 degree angle?

If the force would have acted parallel to the horizontal,u could have stated that the work is simply the product between the force's magnitude (100 N) and the distance (40m).That would not be the case,though,because not all of that force is acting on the crate.Only the horizontal component does.Then u should check whether the vertical component annulates the pression force on the ground as to lift the crate.Simple manipulation of numbers shows you that it doesn't.
Hopefully u're clear now.
 
Question:
A 50-kg crate is pulled 40 m along a horizontal floor by a constant 100 N force exerted by a person which acts at a 37 degree angle above the horizontal. Determine the work done on the crate.

Solution:
Work=(Force)(Displacment)(COS degrees)

[tex]W=fdcos[/tex]

[tex]=(100)(40)(Cos 37)[/tex]

[tex]=(100)(40)(0.80)[/tex]

[tex]=3200 J[/tex]

[tex]=3.2 kJ[/tex]

I might be wrong.
 

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