How to Calculate Work on an Inclined Surface?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating work done on a box being pulled up an inclined surface, specifically focusing on the relationship between work, force, and gravitational potential energy. The problem involves a box being pulled at an angle on a slope, requiring an understanding of both the work-energy principle and the geometry of the situation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between work done and gravitational potential energy, with some exploring the vertical displacement of the box and its implications for calculating work.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between work and potential energy, while others are seeking clarification on the next steps in the calculation process. There is an ongoing exploration of the geometry involved in the problem, particularly regarding the vertical displacement.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has successfully solved the first part of the problem but is uncertain about the second part involving the inclined surface. The discussion includes considerations of height and gravitational force, with participants referencing specific angles and distances relevant to the problem setup.

Iamaskier721
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Homework Statement


A man pulls a 10 kg box across a smooth floor with a force of 87 Newtons at an angle of 24 degrees and for a distance of 76 meters. How much work, to the nearest joule, does he do?

If the floor in the previous question is angled upward at 10.6 degrees and the man pulls the box up the floor at constant speed what is the work he does to the nearest joule?


Homework Equations



W=f(cos theta)d

The Attempt at a Solution


The first part i achieved and got correct, which is 6040 j. I have no idea how to do the second part. Please help!
 
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Since the speed is not changing, the work is equal to the change in gravitational potential energy. Actual distance doesn't matter, only the change in height.
 
So it is being displaced 1.83 m veritcally. I Figured this out by the law of sines and a simple right triangle. What is the next step to solving this?
 
Iamaskier721 said:
So it is being displaced 1.83 m veritcally. I Figured this out by the law of sines and a simple right triangle. What is the next step to solving this?

The work going into the change in gravitational potential is the weight times the height. In this case it is mg*h.
 

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