About the angle between force and displacment, W=F.d cosƟ

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The discussion centers on the confusion surrounding the angle θ in the work formula W=F.d cosθ. Participants clarify that θ should represent the angle between the force and the direction of displacement, not necessarily the angle with respect to the perpendicular. Several examples illustrate how to determine the correct angle based on the problem context, emphasizing the importance of understanding the geometry involved. Diagrams and properties of right triangles are recommended as tools to find the correct angle when it is not directly provided. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurately applying the work formula in physics problems.
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W=F.d cos Ɵ, in a problem Ɵ=30, but in the solution he used Ɵ=60, and vice versa in other problems, can anyone explain why?
 
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Is θ the angle between F and d, or is it something else? Please post the full problem so we know what you're talking about.
 
Doc Al said:
Is θ the angle between F and d, or is it something else? Please post the full problem so we know what you're talking about.
problem like:

*calculate the force acting on an object if the work done to move it a distance 50m equal 2500J and if the angle between the force and the perpendicular to motion is 30
the answer: w=fd cosθ , F=2500/50xcos60 = 100N

*a man of mass 70kg. goes upstaris of lenth 50m. calculate the work done if g=10m/s2 http://im88.gulfup.com/rmDnTK.png
-answer W=Fd cosθ, 70x10x50 x cos30

-problem with no changing in angles-

*a force of 100N acts on an object and moves it a distance 2.5m, calculate the work by the force if the force is inclined by an angle 60 on the direction of motion
answer: W=100x2.5x cos60= 125J

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i don't know why he changes angles and when, i think I'm missing something.
 
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Sculter said:
*calculate the force acting on an object if the work done to move it a distance 50m equal 2500J and if the angle between the force and the perpendicular to motion is 30
the answer: w=fd cosθ , F=2500/50xcos60 = 100N
Note that the angle given is not between F and d, but between F and the perpendicular to d. It's up to you to figure out the correct angle!

Sculter said:
*a man of mass 70kg. goes upstaris of lenth 50m. calculate the work done if g=10m/s2
proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fim88.gulfup.com%2FrmDnTK.png

-answer W=Fd cosθ, 70x10x50 x cos30
Again, the angle given is the angle of the stairs with the horizontal. What you need is the angle between the force (gravity) and the displacement.

Sculter said:
-problem with no changing in angles-

*a force of 100N acts on an object and moves it a distance 2.5m, calculate the work by the force if the force is inclined by an angle 60 on the direction of motion
answer: W=100x2.5x cos60= 125J
Here they just give you the required angle, so you can just plug it in.

Sculter said:
i don't know why he changes angles and when, i think I'm missing something.
To use the work formula you need the angle between the force and the displacement. Sometimes you'll be given that angle directly; other times you'll have to figure out the correct angle to use.
 
oh, great now i know why, i didn't realize it, thank you
but how do i find the angle?
 
Sculter said:
oh, great now i know why, i didn't realize it, thank you
You are welcome.

Sculter said:
but how do i find the angle?
Start by drawing yourself a diagram. And use the properties of right triangles. (For example, the two angles of a right triangle are complementary. They add to 90 degrees.)
 
Thanky you very much!
Your really helped me
 
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