How Do You Calculate Work and Angle in Vector Problems?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the work done by a force on a particle, the equation W = F * d * cos(θ) is used, where F is the force magnitude, d is the displacement magnitude, and θ is the angle between them. For the given values, the resultant displacement is approximately 5.1 m and the resultant force is about 6.7 N. The angle θ can be determined using the tangent function, resulting in approximately 348.69 degrees. Plugging these values into the work equation yields a work done of approximately 33.5 joules. The discussion also includes a question about scenarios that do not involve work, highlighting the importance of understanding work in physics.
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Homework Statement


PART A: A force ~F = Fx ˆı+Fy ˆ acts on a particle that
undergoes a displacement of ~s = sx ˆı + sy ˆ
where Fx = 6 N, Fy = −3 N, sx = 5 m, and
sy = 1 m.
Find the work done by the force on the
particle.
Answer in units of J.

PART B: Find the angle between ~F and ~s.
Answer in units of ◦.

PART C: An easy question but still need help:
Which of the following does not involve work?
1. A golf ball is struck.
2. A weight lifter does military presses (lift-
ing weights over his head.)
3. A professor picks up a piece of chalk from
the floor.
4. A runner stretches by pushing against a
wall.
5. A child is pushed on a swing.

Homework Equations


a^2+b^2=c^2
F=ma
W=fcosthetad

The Attempt at a Solution


 
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so here's my try: i made two triangles...one out of the force vectors and another out of the displacement vectors
i found the resultant displacement vector to be 5^2+1^2=26...so 5.1 m
i found the resultant force vector by doing 3^2+6^2=45...so 6.7 N

if i plug in these numbers into the work equation of W=fdcostheta i'll get W=5.1m*6.7Ncostheta
to find theta i'll do the tantheta=1m/5m or 11.3099 degrees or 348.69 degrees when put in the correct coordinate plane...
so does W=5.1m*6.7Ncos348.69? that equals 33.5 joules.
 
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