# How do you determine work done wi th just mass and distance?

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1. Mar 20, 2015

### crushedcorn

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/Information

If a person pushes a 28 kg object 1.2 m, how much work did they just do?
2. Relevant equations
W=Fd
F=ma

3. The attempt at a solution
If W=Fd and F=ma, then W=(ma)d. The farthest I can get is W=28a*1.2=33.6a. Since the motion is horizontal, a=9.8 m/s2 wouldn't apply, so I am left with 2 variables and no answer. However, the correct answer is 1200 J. Where is this answer coming from?

2. Mar 20, 2015

### BvU

Out of the blue, as they say. Hello CC, and welcome to PF !

With the given information, there really is no telling. As you more or less conclude correctly.
There must be something else.

3. Mar 20, 2015

### Suraj M

you would need atleast $a$ or final velocity. because for 1200J a= 35.7m/s², what if i choose a=1m/s². ill get a different answer.
So the question is incomplete.

4. Mar 20, 2015

### crushedcorn

Thank you and thank you! I felt like I was missing the entire concept. I feel much better :-)

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