Work: does distance HAVE to be linear?

  • Thread starter Thread starter camacru
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Linear Work
AI Thread Summary
The concept of "work" does not have to be defined strictly as a force applied over a linear distance. For instance, the operation of an electric garage door closer demonstrates that work can occur along a non-linear path, such as a bent rail. The mathematical representation of work, W = ∫ F · ds, supports this broader definition, indicating that work can be calculated using integrals of force over any path. Additionally, torque can also be integrated with respect to angle, further illustrating that work encompasses various forms of movement. Therefore, work can be defined in more versatile terms beyond linear distance.
camacru
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
In the defining the concept of "work", does it have to a defined as a force being applied to an object over a LINEAR distance?

Take, for example, the work produced by an electric garage door closer. If you happen to have an overhead folding garage door, the motor applies the force to the drive mechanism, which in turn opens or closes the door, however, the door does simply travel vertically or horizontally; it travels along a rail which has a bend of approximately 90 deg. Is this not considered work?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, it doesn't have to be linear. You can have any kind of path.

W = \int F \cdot ds

See the PF library entry: work done
 
The integral of torque with respect to angle turned is work just as much as the integral of force with respect to distance is work.
 

Thread '1:1 versus 2:1 Mechanical Advantage debate'

The rope is tied into the person (the load of 200 pounds) and the rope goes up from the person to a fixed pulley and back down to his hands. He hauls the rope to suspend himself in the air. What is the mechanical advantage of the system? The person will indeed only have to lift half of his body weight (roughly 100 pounds) because he now lessened the load by that same amount. This APPEARS to be a 2:1 because he can hold himself with half the force, but my question is: is that mechanical...
View full post »

Thread 'Newton's first law?'

Some physics textbook writer told me that Newton's first law applies only on bodies that feel no interactions at all. He said that if a body is on rest or moves in constant velocity, there is no external force acting on it. But I have heard another form of the law that says the net force acting on a body must be zero. This means there is interactions involved after all. So which one is correct?
View full post »
Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Hello! I have a question regarding a beam on an inclined plane. I was considering a beam resting on two supports attached to an inclined plane. I was almost sure that the lower support must be more loaded. My imagination about this problem is shown in the picture below. Here is how I wrote the condition of equilibrium forces: $$ \begin{cases} F_{g\parallel}=F_{t1}+F_{t2}, \\ F_{g\perp}=F_{r1}+F_{r2} \end{cases}. $$ On the other hand...
View full post »

Similar threads

Rotational Work versus Linear Work
Replies
14
Views
2K
Torque and Moment of Inertia of a Lever Arm
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Why does the main muscle use the most energy in body movements?
Replies
24
Views
2K
B About verification on Kinetic energy and work
Replies
16
Views
2K
I [Question] Calculating the force generated by a tarp hung between two walls
Replies
14
Views
2K
B Friction on pure rolling non deforming sphere?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Work-KE theorem and net force....
Replies
33
Views
3K
How is work measured in a vacuum?
Replies
5
Views
4K
Understanding the Contradictory Definitions of Work Done in Physics Textbooks
Replies
4
Views
3K
In work W = F*D, what does D represent?
Replies
10
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top