Work done on a load moved by a motor

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jeevankasin
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Hi,

Some confusion with the attached problem. Some of us say that the work done on the load is W(x+y) while some others are saying that the WD on the load is just Wy since the motor moves the distance x and that work is done by the motor.

Could we have some clarifications?

Din
 
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  • Multiple-choice physics question diagram: a motor at P moves horizontally to Q, pulling a load from a start position to a raised position through distance x horizontally and height y vertically, with the load's path z shown as a dashed line. Options A to D: Wz, Wy, Wx, W(x + y).
    Work Done Q.jpg
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jeevankasin said:
Hi,

Some confusion with the attached problem. Some of us say that the work done on the load is W(x+y) while some others are saying that the WD on the load is just Wy since the motor moves the distance x and that work is done by the motor.

Could we have some clarifications?

Din

Welcome to the PF.

What are your arguments in favor of each choice?
 
Option (A): One of us argues, since that is the distance the object moves, the WD should be that distance.

Option (B): The WD here is to bring the load up by a dist of y and multiplied by the force acting on it, which is the weight.

Force x Dist moved in the direction of the force

Option (D) : Since the object moves a horizontal distance of x followed by the vertical distance y, thus it W(x+y).
 
What's the definition of work?

Do the relative directions of displacement and force matter?