While rearranging a dorm room a student does 286 J of work to move a desk 1.3 m. What was the magnitude of the applied horizontal force?

To find the magnitude of the applied horizontal force, we can use the work-energy principle, which states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its mechanical energy.

The work done (W) is given as 286 J, and the distance moved (d) is 1.3 m. We can use these values to calculate the magnitude of the applied force (F), using the formula:

W = F × d

Substituting the given values into the formula, we have:

286 J = F × 1.3 m

To isolate F, we need to rearrange the equation:

F = 286 J / 1.3 m

Now, let's calculate the magnitude of the applied force:

F = 220.77 N

Therefore, the magnitude of the applied horizontal force is approximately 220.77 Newtons.