Solving Work Done by Pushing a Lawnmower

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by a man pushing a lawnmower with a specified force and vertical component over a horizontal distance. The subject area relates to physics concepts of force, work, and geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find the angle of the force relative to the ground and question how to calculate it. There are suggestions to use sketches and Pythagorean theorem, along with inquiries about the correctness of angle calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to find the angle and questioning the implications of that angle for calculating work. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance on sketching and using trigonometric functions has been provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the problem with a focus on the components of the force and the relationship between the vertical and horizontal aspects. There is a mention of potential confusion regarding angle measurement units.

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Homework Statement


A man pushes a lawnmower with a force of 200N. If the vertical component of this force is 80N how much work is done in pushing the lawnmower 6.0m horizontally?

Homework Equations


Work=force x distance

The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly I have to find the angle to the ground at which the 200N force is directed.
However i am not sure on how to do that.
 
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Make a sketch and remember Pythagoras
 
BvU said:
Make a sketch and remember Pythagoras
Would the angle be 68 because inverse tan(200/80)
 
68 radians ? No, degrees I hope.
Never mind: once you have the angle, what are you going to use it for ?
And: Sketch ?
 

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