Work done on box from gravitational force

AI Thread Summary
When calculating the work done by gravitational force on a box lifted 2 meters forward, two methods are discussed: W = mg(x) and W = 2mgsin(a). While both methods are mathematically correct, the choice depends on the specific parameters provided in the problem. The work done is generally expressed as mgh, where h represents the height raised, but can also be expressed in terms of distance and angle. It is noted that the work done against gravity is negative, reflecting the direction of the force.
frozen7
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When lift up the box to 2m forward. Find out the work done by the gravitational force.

I find it by W = mg (x)
But my lecturer encourage me to do it in this way: W = 2mgsin(a), and told me that my method is correct in trigonometric but not really correct in physics.

I would like to know whether my method is really not suitable or it is correct actually?
 

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frozen7 said:
When lift up the box to 2m forward. Find out the work done by the gravitational force.

I find it by W = mg (x)
But my lecturer encourage me to do it in this way: W = 2mgsin(a), and told me that my method is correct in trigonometric but not really correct in physics.

I would like to know whether my method is really not suitable or it is correct actually?

Work done will remain equal to mgh where h is the height raised.However this expression can be written in other different ways , for example you can write h in terms of the distance transversed upwards and the angle of the inclined plane with the horizontal , which is what you did.Both methods are correct.Actually it depends on the question itself which method to use.In the questions either the height raised will be given or the angle & the length transversed upwards will be given .

BJ
 
Here the box is displaced agains the gravity, hence the work done by the gravitational force should be negative.
 
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