An object of mass m=2kg travels up an incline to a vertical height of 3m. What is the work done on the object by gravity?
To find the work done on the object by gravity, we can use the formula:
Work = force × distance × cos(θ)
In this case, the force is the gravitational force acting on the object, which is equal to the weight of the object. The weight (W) can be calculated using the formula:
Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity
The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².
So, the weight of the object can be calculated as:
Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity
= 2 kg × 9.8 m/s²
= 19.6 N
Now, let's calculate the work done on the object. The distance the object travels is 3 m, and the angle between the incline and the vertical direction is 90 degrees, so cos(θ) = cos(90°) = 0.
Work = force × distance × cos(θ)
= 19.6 N × 3 m × 0
= 0 J
Therefore, the work done on the object by gravity is 0 Joules.