How Do You Calculate Work Done on an Incline with Ambiguous Angle References?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating work done on an incline when force and angle references are ambiguous. A force of 80N is applied at 170 degrees from the x-axis while moving 2.2m at an angle of 10 degrees. The net force is determined using the horizontal component of the applied force, calculated as 80N multiplied by the cosine of 170 degrees, then multiplied by the distance. The ambiguity arises from the reference for the 10-degree angle, which is assumed to be relative to the same x-axis reference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Familiarity with the concept of work done in physics
  • Experience with problem-solving in physics homework platforms like WebAssign
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector resolution in physics to clarify angle references
  • Learn about calculating work done using different angle references
  • Explore the use of trigonometric identities in physics problems
  • Practice similar problems on WebAssign to reinforce understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those tackling problems involving forces and angles, as well as educators looking for examples of ambiguous angle references in physics calculations.

Xet
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


object with force of 80N at 170 degrees from x-axis...
moved of a distance of 2.2m at an angle of 10 degrees
problem does not state exactly 10 degrees in respect to what...

Homework Equations


net force is equal to force applied in the horizontal direction (force times cosine of angle) times the distance...

The Attempt at a Solution


After using all my tries on this problem (WebAssign), I realized it's not 10 degrees with the applied force because it would be just simply 80cos(170)2.2...

If I were to calculate the 10 degrees factor...how would I do it? I thought about trying 160 degrees of the applied force...but there's no way to find out the right answer because I used all my attempts...

There's a few more I'm bound to have troubles with so I'll just continue posting...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Xet said:
If I were to calculate the 10 degrees factor...how would I do it? I thought about trying 160 degrees of the applied force...but there's no way to find out the right answer because I used all my attempts...
Sounds good to me.

Since the first angle (170) was with respect to the x-axis, one would assume that's the reference for the second angle as well.
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Work energy theorem problem -- Block sliding up a curved incline
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
How is the minimum work needed to push a car up an inclined plane calculated?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Solving Incline Problem with Normal Force: 39.36
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
How do I find the work done for a 100 N downward force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Work done on an Object - Pulling a wagon while lifting up at an angle
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Work done in elevator problem — is it positive or negative?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Work done on a pendulum by gravity
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Determine the work done by the force due to gravity
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Determining Work Done by a Person on a Luggage
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K