# Need help deriving work formula

A body of mass m is in a gravitational field of strength g. The body is moved through a distance h at constant speed v in the opposite direction to the field.

Derive an expression in terms of

m, h and h, for the work done on the body.

Im bad with derivations, I need to get better. So far I have

Work = F x d
Work = ma x h
Work = mgh?

Please help me with this derivation, it will help me to understand how to do others better. Thank you in advance

## Answers and Replies

PhanthomJay
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Gold Member
metalmagik said:
A body of mass m is in a gravitational field of strength g. The body is moved through a distance h at constant speed v in the opposite direction to the field.

Derive an expression in terms of

m, h and h, for the work done on the body.

Im bad with derivations, I need to get better. So far I have

Work = F x d
Work = ma x h
Work = mgh?

Please help me with this derivation, it will help me to understand how to do others better. Thank you in advance
Your answer is correct, however, i don't believe you are clear on the concept. Since the speed is constant, what does that tell you about the magnitude and direction of the force required to move the body upward?

Right, since the speed is constant, the body is not accelerating, which means force of gravity IS acceleration.

PhanthomJay
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Gold Member
metalmagik said:
Right, since the speed is constant, the body is not accelerating, which means force of gravity IS acceleration.
I don't think you quite have it right. Yes, the body is not accelerating, therefore , per Newton's 1st law, there is no net force acting on the body. What is the value of the weight ? And since the weight is acting down, how much pulling force is acting up? Now calculate how much work is done by that force.

Uh well I Don't have any measurements but I think I understand now...the force acting up is the same as the weight acting down, since it is at constant velocity...correct?

PhanthomJay
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metalmagik said:
Uh well I Don't have any measurements but I think I understand now...the force acting up is the same as the weight acting down, since it is at constant velocity...correct?
Yes. And since the weight acting down is mg, the force acting up must also be mg, right? So the work done by that force is W = Fh = mgh.
It is important to understand this as you move into problems where the body is accelerating rather than moving at constant speed.

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Ah sweet. Yes I see that. If the body was accelerating this problem would be totally different, meaning, different terms with which to derive, correct?

PhanthomJay