Calculating Work for Stacking Books on a Table

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the work needed to stack six identical books, each 4.0 cm thick and weighing 0.80 kg, the total mass is 4.8 kg. The gravitational constant is 9.8 m/s², and the height each book is raised varies as they are stacked. The correct approach involves recognizing that each book is lifted to a different height, not simply multiplying the thickness by the number of books. The final calculation should account for the varying heights, resulting in a total work of 4.7 J. Understanding the incremental height for each book is crucial for accurate work calculation against gravity.
laxboi33
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Homework Statement



Six identical books, 4.0 cm thick and each with a mass of .80 Kg, lie individually on a flat table. How much work would be needed to stack the books one on top of the other.



Homework Equations


U= mgy



The Attempt at a Solution



total mass = .8kg x 6 = 4.8
G= 9.8
y= .004 * 6 = .024

(4.8)(9.8)(.024) = 1.12 J

the answer is 4.7 J. What am I doing wrong?
 
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y is not simply 6 x brick thickness.

The bricks are each raised a different height, in order to make them into a single stack of 6 bricks.
 
Youre doing work against gravity right? You have to lift one book to put it on the other book, a certain height. When you add a third book, has the height you have to lift it changed?
 
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