What is the work done by a tow truck pulling a car 1 km?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the work done by a tow truck pulling a car 1 km with a chain at a 30° angle and a tension of 1500 N, the horizontal component of the tension is found to be approximately 1300 N using the formula 1500 * cos(30). This horizontal force is then multiplied by the distance of 1000 meters, resulting in a total work of approximately 1.3 million joules. It is clarified that joules are measured as Newton-meters, confirming that the calculation is correct. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between force, distance, and work in physics.
Calpalned
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Homework Statement


A tow truck drags a stalled car along a road. The chain makes an angle of 30° with the road and the tension in the chain is 1500 N. How much work is done by the truck in pulling the car 1 km?

Homework Equations


Work = Force * distance

The Attempt at a Solution


By drawing a free body diagram, I learn that the horizontal component of tension is 1500 * cos(30), which is apprx 1300 N. I then multiply by 1000 meters to get 1.3 million joules. Is this correct? Is joules always measured in meters or should I have multiplied by 1 instead? Thank You
 
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I put this question in math because it's from my Multivariate Calculus Late Transcendentalist book.
 
... Is joules always measured in meters or should I have multiplied by 1 instead? Thank You[/QUOTE]

##1 \text{Joule} =1 \text{N}\cdot\text{m }, ## so Joules are not in units of meters.
 
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Calpalned said:

Homework Statement


A tow truck drags a stalled car along a road. The chain makes an angle of 30° with the road and the tension in the chain is 1500 N. How much work is done by the truck in pulling the car 1 km?

Homework Equations


Work = Force * distance

The Attempt at a Solution


By drawing a free body diagram, I learn that the horizontal component of tension is 1500 * cos(30), which is apprx 1300 N. I then multiply by 1000 meters to get 1.3 million joules. Is this correct? Is joules always measured in meters or should I have multiplied by 1 instead? Thank You
  • Looks right. 1 J = 1 N m
 
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