Does Walking with a Suitcase Involve Work?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the physics of work done while walking with a suitcase. Participants clarify that no work is done when walking at a steady pace because the suitcase does not move in the direction of the force applied by the arm against gravity. However, when starting from rest, the acceleration of the suitcase requires a force, indicating that work is done in changing its kinetic energy as it gains speed. The conversation concludes that while walking steadily does not involve work, the initial acceleration does.

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Homework Statement


Ok, so I have been reading all these threads where people discuss if there is any work being done while walking with a suitcase.[/B]

Homework Equations


So, everyone says there is no work done by walking since the suitcase is not displaced in the direction of the force by the holding arm against the gravity.[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


But if the body starts from rest and starts walking this is an acceleration of a body(including the suitcase) which requiers a force. And this force is in the right direction... soo...[/B]
 
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Ok, so i guess the task must imply you are walking with a steady pace, so no acceleration= no force in that direction. I get it.
 
Baconfish said:

Homework Statement


Ok, so I have been reading all these threads where people discuss if there is any work being done while walking with a suitcase.[/B]

Homework Equations


So, everyone says there is no work done by walking since the suitcase is not displaced in the direction of the force by the holding arm against the gravity.[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


But if the body starts from rest and starts walking this is an acceleration of a body(including the suitcase) which requiers a force. And this force is in the right direction... soo...[/B]
You're right! Work done in changing the speed of a body = Δ K.E.

The initial speed of the suitcase as you stoop to pick it up is zero, then it gains speed as you trudge off on your way. For most of its trip it travels at walking pace. At the destination, what is the speed of that suitcase as you release your grip on its handle?

(For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume you are the owner of the expensive suitcase and are not an airline's baggage handler. [emoji52] )
 

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