How Is Work Calculated When Friction Is Involved?

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SUMMARY

The work done by a 0.47N force pushing a 0.026kg pencil over a distance of 0.26m is calculated using the formula Work = Force x Distance, resulting in 0.1222J. The force of friction, measured at 0.23N, does not directly affect the work calculation since it acts against the motion but does not alter the work done by the applied force. The discussion clarifies that while friction opposes motion, it does not change the work done by the applied force in this scenario.

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Homework Statement



Calculate the work done by a 0.47N force pushing a 0.026kg pencil 0.26m against a force of friction of 0.23N.

Knowns:

F = 0.47N
m = 0.036kg
d = 0.26m
Ff = 0.23N

Homework Equations



Work = Force x Distance

The Attempt at a Solution



Since I know work = f*d, I do
w = 0.47N * 0.26m
= 0.1222J

I'm unsure of how to add friction into the calculation.
 
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No. I am pretty sure you are correct. The force is 0.47N, and the distance is 0.26m. The friction is merely slowing the pencil down, which does not effect work.
 

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