Work of pulling an upject up a ramp.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the work done in moving a refrigerator weighing 210 kg up an 8.5 m ramp with a height of 2.4 m using a constant pulling force of 1200 N. The correct formula for work is W = F * S, where S is the distance along the ramp. The initial calculation mistakenly used 8.4 m instead of the correct 8.5 m, leading to an incorrect work value. The accurate calculation yields W = 1200 N * 8.5 m = 10200 J.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as work and force.
  • Familiarity with the formula W = F * S for calculating work.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine, in relation to angles.
  • Basic understanding of gravitational force and its impact on mass.
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  • Study the applications of trigonometry in physics problems.
  • Learn about the effects of friction on work calculations in inclined planes.
  • Explore real-world applications of ramps in mechanical systems.
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in mechanical engineering or logistics, particularly those dealing with the movement of heavy objects using ramps.

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Homework Statement



To move a refrigerator of mass 210 kg into a house, a mover puts it on a dolly and covers the steps leading into the house with a wooden plank acting as a ramp. The plank is 8.5 m long and rises 2.4 m. The mover pulls the dolly with constant velocity and with a steady force 1200 N up the ramp. How much work does he perform? The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2. Answer in units of J.

Homework Equations



W = F[tex]\vec{}[/tex] * S[tex]\vec{}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



if W = F[tex]\vec{}[/tex] * S[tex]\vec{}[/tex]
and S[tex]\vec{}[/tex] = Scos(angle)F,S
then W = 1200*8.4cos(0) = 10080J

Upon submitting my homework I'm told it is incorrect, but I can't see where I went wrong here.
 
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I found my mistake. The ramp is stated as 8.5m not 8.4. Sorry!
 

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