Does Diving into Water Involve Negative Work?

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SUMMARY

Diving into water involves negative work due to the resistance exerted by the water against the diver's motion. As the diver descends, the water applies a force opposite to the direction of movement, akin to friction. This resistance results in a net negative work scenario, as the diver continues to move downward despite the opposing force, similar to the analogy of punching through paper where the paper exerts a force against the fist.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly work and energy.
  • Familiarity with the principles of force and resistance.
  • Knowledge of friction and its effects on motion.
  • Basic grasp of Newton's laws of motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of work in physics, specifically negative work scenarios.
  • Explore the relationship between force, motion, and resistance in fluid dynamics.
  • Study examples of frictional forces and their impact on movement.
  • Investigate Newton's laws of motion and their applications in real-world scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion in fluids.

harp AP 2010
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Homework Statement


If you dive into the water does it do work on you? Positive or negative?


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The Attempt at a Solution


I think I know this one, it is negative work because he is pushed up from resistance, but continues to go down.
 
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I would say that the water does negative work on you because its working like friction. Even though you are still moving forward the water is pushing on you opposite the direction that you are moving.
 
Its like punching a piece of paper. The paper works on you but you still break through. Relative to the paper, since the fist broke through, work is negative.
 

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