How Is Work Calculated and Power Determined in Physics Problems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating work and power in a physics context, specifically involving a force applied to move an object across a horizontal surface. The original poster presents a scenario with a 1200N force acting on an 80N box and seeks clarification on the calculations of work done and power dissipated over a specified time period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate work by subtracting the weight of the box from the applied force and multiplying by distance. They question the validity of this approach and the meaning of power dissipated.
  • Some participants clarify that the weight of the box does not contribute to the work done in this scenario, emphasizing the importance of the angle between force and displacement.
  • Others suggest using the standard equation for work and express uncertainty about the interpretation of power dissipated.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing clarifications on the calculations and the concepts of work and power. There is a focus on understanding the significance of different forces and the proper application of formulas. Multiple interpretations of the term "dissipated" are being explored, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and implications of work and power in a physics context, particularly regarding the relevance of perpendicular forces and the terminology used in the problem statement. There is an underlying assumption that the calculations must adhere to standard physics principles.

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Mmmm...Good ol' work and power

A 1200N force is applied parallel to a horizontal surface. It pushes an 80N box 10m across the surface. What work is done? What power is dissipated in 3 minutes?

What i did for this one is subtract the 80N force from the 1200N force and multiply it by 10m because W= FxD
1200-80=1120x10m=11200J, problem is I am not sure if I am supposed to subtract the 80N force of the box. For power, i did 11200/180s=62.22 watts, but I am not sure if that's just power or if its power dissipated
any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks
 
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You should not be subtracting the 80N from 1200N. The 80N does have some significance, but in this situation the force vector of the 80N (its weight) is perpendicular to the displacement vector so it will come out to zero work. What I'm trying to say is that since it is not on a sloped plane, the work done by gravity is 0. Therefore, the only work done is by the 1200N force.

Also remember that the equation for work is w=\vec{F}\cdot\vec{D} which means w=|F||D|cos\theta theta being the angle between the force and the displacement vectors.
 
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So ill just find power by multiplying 1200 by 10m to get 12000J, but what about the power dissipated? i found power to be 66.67 by dividing work by time, but I am not sure if that's the dissipation or not
BishopUser said:
You should not be subtracting the 80N from 1200N. The 80N does have some significance, but in this situation the force vector of the 80N (its weight) is perpendicular to the displacement vector so it will come out to zero work. What I'm trying to say is that since it is not on a sloped plane, the work done by gravity is 0. Therefore, the only work done is by the 1200N force.

Also remember that the equation for work is w=\vec{F}\cdot\vec{D} which means w=|F||D|cos\theta theta being the angle between the force and the displacement vectors.
 
You get the work by multiplying the two. I don't think the word "dissipated" has any significant meaning other than how much power was exerted/used/etc, I believe all they are asking for is the standard work/time for power.
 
Cool, thanks a lot man :)
BishopUser said:
You get the work by multiplying the two. I don't think the word "dissipated" has any significant meaning other than how much power was exerted/used/etc, I believe all they are asking for is the standard work/time for power.
 

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