Can Static Friction Do Positive Work? A Pen and Paper Experiment

AI Thread Summary
Static friction can perform positive work when an object remains stationary relative to a surface while the surface moves. An example involves placing a pen on a sheet of paper and pulling the paper without moving the pen, demonstrating that the static friction between the pen and paper allows for movement without displacement of the pen itself. Another suggestion is to draw with the pen while moving the paper, which also illustrates static friction at work. The discussion highlights the concept that static friction can facilitate motion in certain scenarios without the object itself changing position. Understanding these principles can clarify how static friction contributes to work in practical applications.
Pathos_Verdes
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I was left bewildered by a question our teacher left us to think about over the next week. He asked us how we can demonstrate static friction doing positive work, using a pen and a sheet of paper. Can anyone tell me how I can do this, and why this is so?
 
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I'm not sure what you are asking for. Do you just need an example of static friction doing positive work?
 
Pathos_Verdes said:
I was left bewildered by a question our teacher left us to think about over the next week. He asked us how we can demonstrate static friction doing positive work, using a pen and a sheet of paper. Can anyone tell me how I can do this, and why this is so?

Any vehicle is moved forward by static friction...
 
How about the static friction force acting on a crate sitting on the flat bed of an accelerating truck? If the crate is not moving with respect to the truck, is the static friction force doing work??
 
He didn't give us any other detail. Just those I have stated.
 
I think he wants you to place a pen on a sheet of paper, then pull the paper with the pen not moving relative to it. :cool:

Or maybe he wants you to draw a sketch on the paper using a pen instead of a pencil. :eek::wink:

If it's the first case, what does this show, if anything?:bugeye:
 
Pathos_Verdes said:
He didn't give us any other detail. Just those I have stated.

So put your pen on the paper and rotate it, or move it, so the paper starts moving.
That should do the trick.
 
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