How would you go about finding the force of this object?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Merlan114
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the work done by an applied force on a wrench sliding down a tilted shelf. The applied force of 1.6N acts opposite to the wrench's motion over a distance of 1.2m. The correct calculation for work is W = F × d × cos(θ), where θ is the angle between the force and displacement. Since the force opposes the motion, θ is 180 degrees, resulting in a work value of -1.92 J.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of the work-energy principle
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Basic skills in vector analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in physics
  • Learn about vector components and their applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of negative work and its implications
  • Review examples of forces acting at angles and their calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding work done by forces in motion.

Merlan114
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
A wrench slides off a tilted shelf, although if a force of 1.6N is applied opposite the wrench's motion the wrench will slide down the shelf with a constant velocity. If the shelf is 1.2m long, what is the work done by the applied force on the wrench?
This is what I did:
w=(1.6N)(1.2m)= and got 1.92 J
On the worksheet it said that I have to multiply it also by cos 180, but I'm not understanding where they got cos 180 from. Can someone please explain?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The force is being applied in the opposite direction of the displacement for work. Therefore, you have to use 180 degrees instead of 0 degrees.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
2K