If I push a book 1.5 m across the table using a constant for of 10 N, how much work do I do on the book?
work = force * distanced moved in direction of force
W = 10 * 1.5 = 15 Joules
To calculate the work done on an object, you can use the formula:
Work = Force * Distance * Cosθ
Where:
- Work is the amount of work done on the object
- Force is the applied force
- Distance is the displacement of the object
- θ (theta) is the angle between the direction of force and the direction of displacement
In this case, you are pushing the book in a straight line across the table, so the angle between the force and displacement is 0 degrees. Therefore, the formula simplifies as follows:
Work = Force * Distance * Cos(0)
Since Cos(0) = 1, the equation becomes:
Work = Force * Distance
Plugging in the given values:
Force = 10 N
Distance = 1.5 m
Work = 10 N * 1.5 m = 15 Joules
Therefore, you do 15 Joules of work on the book.