In physics, work is defined as the product of the
A) net force and the distance traveled
B) net force parallel to the motion and direction traveled
C) net force parallel to the motion and the time it is applied
B. Actually, work is defined as net force times distance traveled times the cosine of the angle between distance traveled and net force.
B) net force parallel to the motion and direction traveled.
To find the answer to this question, we need to understand the definition of work in physics. Work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance the object moves in the direction of the force.
So, let's look at the options:
A) Net force and the distance traveled: This option correctly mentions the force and the distance traveled, but it doesn't specify that the force should be parallel to the motion.
B) Net force parallel to the motion and direction traveled: This option aligns with the definition of work since it mentions that the force should be parallel to the motion and direction traveled. It correctly describes the components required to calculate work.
C) Net force parallel to the motion and the time it is applied: This option introduces the concept of time, but the definition of work specifically relates to the displacement of an object, not the time it takes for the force to be applied.
Considering the definition of work, the correct answer is B) net force parallel to the motion and direction traveled.