Failing physics in dire need of help. PLEASE

[josher1289]

A worker pushes a wheelbarrow with a horizontal force of 50.0N over a level distance of 5.0m. If a frictional force of 43N acts on the wheelbarrow in a direction opposite to that of the worker, what net work is done on the wheelbarrow?

how would i go about solving this problem?

 

[physics.guru]

The force applied by the worker is constant and along the direction of displacement and the force done by friction is opposite the direction of displacement so we can use the relation

W = Fd

The net work is the sum of all the works (watch your signs!).

 

[kyle8921]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out for help with your physics problem. I am happy to assist you in understanding the concept and solving the problem.

To solve this problem, we need to first understand the concept of work. Work is defined as the product of force and displacement, where the force acts in the same direction as the displacement. In this case, the worker is pushing the wheelbarrow in a horizontal direction, and the wheelbarrow is moving in the same direction. Therefore, the work done by the worker is the product of the force (50.0N) and the displacement (5.0m) which is equal to 250 joules (J).

However, in this scenario, there is also a frictional force acting on the wheelbarrow in the opposite direction. This frictional force is the resistance that the wheelbarrow experiences while moving. As a result, the net work done on the wheelbarrow is equal to the work done by the worker (250J) minus the work done by the frictional force (43N x 5m = 215J). Therefore, the net work done on the wheelbarrow is 35 joules (250J - 215J = 35J).

I hope this explanation helps you understand the concept and solve the problem. If you need any further clarification, please feel free to reach out. Good luck with your studies!