Does Mass Affect Work Done in Pushing a Hay Bale?

Thread starter bcalkins
Start date Sep 20, 2012
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Work

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The calculation of work done in pushing a hay bale is determined by the formula W = F x d, where W is work, F is force, and d is distance. In this case, the farmhand exerts a horizontal force of 88N over a distance of 3.9 meters, resulting in 343.2 Joules of work done. The mass of the hay bale, 26 kg, does not affect the calculation of work in this context. The focus remains on the force applied and the distance moved. Therefore, the initial calculation is correct, and the mass does not need to be factored in.

Sep 20, 2012

bcalkins

A farmhand pushes a 26-kg bale of hay 3.9 meters across the floor of a barn. If she exerts a horizontal force of 88N on the hay, how much work has she done?

My Answer:
W=88N x 3.9m
= 343.2 Joules

My question: Is this correct or do I have to do something with the mass of 26-kg?
Thank you!

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Sep 20, 2012

Doc Al

Mentor

Perfectly correct. The mass is irrelevant. (But maybe the question has another part.)

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