Is friction the only force that does work when we walk?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the role of friction in performing work during walking and running. It establishes that static friction does not perform work as defined by the equation W = ∫F.ds, since the displacement occurs at the point of contact, which remains stationary. The conversation highlights that while external forces, particularly static friction, influence the center of mass, they do not contribute to work done when a person accelerates. The conclusion drawn is that despite the presence of friction, work is done simply by the act of moving from one point to another, emphasizing the distinction between force application and work performed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics
  • Knowledge of kinetic and potential energy
  • Basic grasp of frictional forces and their effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of work-energy theorem in classical mechanics
  • Explore the differences between static and kinetic friction
  • Learn about the role of external forces in changing the center of mass
  • Investigate the concepts of conservative and non-conservative forces
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Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion and the role of friction in work done during locomotion.

deepani
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Okay, so I know that static friction does no work since work is defined as:
W = ∫F.ds. The displacement is defined only for the point of contact. So, when one walks, one foot remains on the ground. The static force of friction acts on that leg. Thus the point of application also, lies on that leg. Now, one moves the other leg in the forward direction, thus changing the center of mass of the system (here I consider the whole human body as the system and nothing else). So, we know that only the external forces are capable of changing the center of mass of the system, which, in this case is of course, the static force of friction.
But, what happens when we talk about work? So, is it possible, that although no force does work on a system, there is still some displacement? (I'm not changing my reference frame, initially, object was stationary w.r.t the frame)

Let's say one runs accelerating by a small amount. There is still no work done. But we define : ΔK.E = Work done by conservative, non-conservative and external forces, which in this case is ZERO.
This implies that there should be no change in kinetic which is not true! (i'm only accelerating until the force I apply does not exceed μmg, the max. frictional force)
PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS.. this question has got me confused. Is there a conceptual blunder, if so please explain. thanks in advance... ANd sorry for such a long write-up..:P
 
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The equation for work does not presuppose that contact between two bodies is necessary for work to be done. If that were true, then airplanes could fly forever without the need to refuel.

For walking, running, etc., a person does work by the simple fact of moving from point A to point B. Where there is contact and there is friction, it takes work to overcome friction.
 

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