What is the Work Done by Several Forces?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by several forces acting on a crate, specifically addressing the forces of a worker, gravity, normal force, and friction. The worker must exert a force equal to the force of friction to maintain constant velocity, leading to the conclusion that the work done by the worker is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the work done by friction. The relevant equations include work (w = f * d * cos θ) and the understanding that work is zero when the net force is zero, as in this case where acceleration is zero.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
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  • Knowledge of force vectors and their components
  • Basic trigonometry for calculating work done by forces
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Adrian Pete
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Homework Statement


Problem # 1
t72Lb2d.png

Homework Equations


Work done by several forces

w=f * d cos theta
w=mg
n=w

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't figure out how to solve a) and b)
NOT SURE:
so my attempt a) f = mg = 30kg*9.8m/s^2 = 294N =magnitute of the force must the worker apply.(NOT SURE)
b) WofF= f d cos theta = 294N * 4.5m * cos0 = 1323N
?
 
Last edited:
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Hi Adrian Pete and welcome to PF.

Your "relevant equations" show no equations. What do you mean by "work done by several forces"? How many forces do you have acting on the crate? How many of them are doing work?
 
5 forces acting on it Sir
 
Can you name these 5 forces and find how much work each one does?
 
a) work must the worker apply = :(
b) work done by the force = :(
c) work done by friction = Wf = 73.5N*4.5m
d) work done by gravity = Wg = 294N*4.5m
e) work done by normal force Wn = 294N*4.5m
only these Sir :( can't figure out to solve a) and b)
 
First, it seems you have misunderstood the questions (a) and (b). It also seems that question (a) has a typo. I believe the first two questions should read
(a) What magnitude of force (not work) must the worker apply?
(b) How much work is done by this force?
There are only 4 forces exerted by (1) the worker, (2) gravity, (3) normal force and (4) friction.
It also seems you think that Work = Force × Distance. This is not necessarily true and is not true for some of the forces here. Please look up the definition for work done by a constant force and apply it correctly.
Finally, you are told that the crate is moving at constant velocity. What must be true for this to be the case?
 
force = m * a?
so a is 0 because it moves at constant velocity?

so force = 30kg * 0 m/s^2

a) f = 0N

so work is w = f d cos theta so,

w = 0 * 4.5m cos 0

so

b) w = 0J = work done by the worker?
 
Adrian Pete said:
orce = m * a?
so a is 0 because it moves at constant velocity?
This is correct. It is not correct that the force exerted by the worker is zero. The worker must exert a force otherwise the crate will not move. Given that the crate is moving and that its acceleration is zero, what must be tru about the forces acting on the crate?
 
since there is no acceleration therefore,

F - fk = ma = 0

F = fk ?

so F is basically fk?

so work done by F is the same as work done by fk?
 
  • #10
Adrian Pete said:
so work done by F is the same as work done by fk?
In magnitude. The work done by fk is negative while the work done by F is positive.
 
  • #11
oh okay, because cos 180 is -1. okay Sir. Thank you for the help ^ _ ^
 
  • #12
Adrian Pete said:
oh okay, because cos 180 is -1. okay Sir. Thank you for the help ^ _ ^
That's correct. You are welcome.
 

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