Work Problem: 3 kg Brick Falling 15 m - 441 J?

In summary, the formula for calculating work is W = F x d, and the unit of measurement for work is joules (J). The force of a falling object can be calculated using the formula F = m x a, and the distance an object falls can be calculated using the formula d = 1/2 x a x t^2. The mass of an object does not directly affect the work done on it, but more work is required to move a heavier object.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


How much work does gravity do when a 3 kg brick falls 15 m?

Homework Equations


W=Fx?

The Attempt at a Solution


I transferred the mass of the brick to weight (gravitational force) and got 29.4. I used this number for the force and the 15 for distance, or x. Does 441 J make sense as the amount of work in this situation?
 
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  • #2
Your attempt at this is correct. when an object falls, some of the gravitational energy is converted to other forms such as kinetic energy. the amount lost is the amount of work done by gravity.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating work?

The formula for calculating work is W = F x d, where W represents work, F represents force, and d represents distance. This formula is used to calculate the amount of work done on an object.

2. How do you calculate the force of a falling object?

The force of a falling object can be calculated using the formula F = m x a, where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration. In this problem, the mass of the brick is 3 kg and the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s^2.

3. What is the unit of measurement for work?

The unit of measurement for work is joules (J). In this problem, the work done on the 3 kg brick is 441 J.

4. How do you calculate the distance an object falls?

The distance an object falls can be calculated using the formula d = 1/2 x a x t^2, where d represents distance, a represents acceleration, and t represents time. In this problem, the distance the brick falls is 15 m.

5. How does the mass of an object affect the work done on it?

The mass of an object does not directly affect the work done on it. However, the force required to move the object over a certain distance does increase with mass, and thus more work is required to move a heavier object. In this problem, the 3 kg brick requires 441 J of work to be done on it as it falls 15 m.

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