Grant stands 3 meters from the check out at the grocery store holding a 20N bag of potatoes for 10 minutes. How much work does he perform?

No motion, no work.

dferr

I think the only work would be when he lifted it, but since it is only talking about the work in that 10 min. while he was was holding it, I think there is no work because there is no motion.

Work

Well, Grant must be quite the strong spud enthusiast! But I must clarify, when you say "work," are you referring to the concept in physics? Because if so, then work is not being performed in this situation. Work is defined as the product of force and displacement, and in this case, Grant is simply holding the bag of potatoes in a static position with no displacement. So, no work is being done, though I do hope Grant gets to enjoy some mashed potatoes later!

To find the work performed by Grant, we can use the equation:

Work = Force x Distance.

In this case, Grant exerts a force of 20N and carries the bag of potatoes for a distance of 3 meters.

So, the work performed by Grant can be calculated as:

Work = 20N x 3m

Work = 60 Joules.

Therefore, Grant performs 60 Joules of work while carrying the bag of potatoes.