Calculating Net Work on a Moving Cargo Canister: Easy Homework Problem 1

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the net work done on a moving cargo canister subjected to three horizontal forces on a frictionless surface. The forces have specific magnitudes and angles, with the net work calculated using the formula W = F * d * cos(θ). Initial calculations provided by a participant yielded a net work of 4.28 J, but they were advised to consider the direction of forces and resolve them into components. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately determining the angles and components of each force to find the correct net force before calculating work. Ultimately, participants are encouraged to verify their calculations and ensure clarity in their approach.
MFlood7356
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
1. Figure 7-30 shows an overhead view of three horizontal forces acting on a cargo canister that was initially stationary but that now moves across a frictionless floor. The force magnitudes are F1 = 2.28 N, F2 = 4.54 N, and F3 = 8.24 N, and the indicated angles are θ2 = 51.6° and θ3 = 35.8°. What is the net work done on the canister by the three forces during the first 2.70 m of displacement?



2. W=Fdcostheta
Wnet=W1+W2+w3



3. I really thought this was an extremely easy problem to do but apparently not. Here's my attempt. Could someone please tell me what I did wrong?

W1=(2.28)(2.70)cos0=-6.156J
W2=(4.54)(2.70)cos51.6=-7.614J
W3=(8.24)(2.70)cos35.8=18.045J
Wnet=(18.045)+(-6.156)+(-7.614)= 4.28J
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Perhaps you could post or at least explain the diagram. It is a bit easier to find the resultant (net) force: \sum \vec F_i = \vec F_{net} and then use:

W = \vec F_{net} \cdot \vec d

AM
 
Last edited:
Here's a diagram: http://imgur.com/DAJ8G.gif

So would I find the magnitude of the components add them up then multiply that by the distance?
 
MFlood7356 said:
Here's a diagram: http://imgur.com/DAJ8G.gif

So would I find the magnitude of the components add them up then multiply that by the distance?
Well, you would find the magnitude of the net force by adding up the force components. Then use work = force*distance.

Your earlier attempt (shown in post #1) assumed the object moved in the +x direction, which isn't necessarily true.
 
so i would find the y and x components for each of the forces then add them up and use Pythagorean theorem then multiply that by the distance?

For the angle of F2 should it be 270-51.6=218.4 degrees and should angle of F1 be 180 degrees?
 
Yes to all statements.
 
I got 5.86 J does that sound right?
 
I don't know, I haven't worked through the problem myself and you didn't show your work. So I really can't say at this point ... but you could remedy the situation :wink:
 

Similar threads

Net Work Done on an Object by 3 Forces
Replies
3
Views
13K
Calculating Tension in Ropes with Multiple Blocks and Friction | Homework Help"
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top