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Understanding Work in Physics

The document defines work in scientific terms as the product of the applied force and the distance moved by an object in the direction of that force. It discusses different factors that work depends on, such as the magnitude of force and distance of displacement. The document also covers different types of work (positive, negative, zero) based on the direction of applied force relative to an object's motion. Key equations presented are: Work = Force x Distance Work against gravity = Weight x Height Work when force is oblique = Horizontal force component x Distance

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22 views6 pages

Understanding Work in Physics

The document defines work in scientific terms as the product of the applied force and the distance moved by an object in the direction of that force. It discusses different factors that work depends on, such as the magnitude of force and distance of displacement. The document also covers different types of work (positive, negative, zero) based on the direction of applied force relative to an object's motion. Key equations presented are: Work = Force x Distance Work against gravity = Weight x Height Work when force is oblique = Horizontal force component x Distance

Uploaded by

Dark Devil
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Work

In ordinary language,work is any physical or mental activity

Def:Any activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to


achieve a purpose.

Relation between work and Energy

Energy is the capacity to do work.

Work is any physical activity by which you looses energy.

Scientific definition of work

Work is said to be done when application of a force causes displacement


of an object.

Suppose a force is applied to a ball…. If the ball is displaced,then work is


said to be done

Factors upon which work is dependent

1)Magnitude of the force.

2)Distance through which the body moves.(in the direction of force.)

Define work

Work done in moving a body is equal to the product of force exerted on


the body and the distance moved by the body in the direction of force.

Work=ForcexDistance moved in the direction of force.

It can also be

Work=ForcexDisplacement

Mathematical representation

W=Fx s

Unit of work
Newton metre written as Nm. Or joule.

When a force of 1 newton moves a body through a distance of 1metre in


its own direction,then the work done is known as 1J

1J=1Nm.

Work

Work done against gravity

When we lift an object from the surface,work is done against the


gravity.

A man climbing the steps

The force required to lift a body is equal to its weight.

Therefore,

When work is done against the gravity,the amount of work done is equal
to the product of the weight of the body and the vertical distance through
which it is lifted.

W=mxgxh
Work done by a force acting obliquely

W hen the movement of the body is at an angle to the direction of the


applied force.

Eg:A child pulling a toy car.

We cannot use the formula

W=Fxs here.

Not the whole force,only the h orizontal component of the force is used in
doing the work.

It is equal to the product of the horizontal component of the force and


distance moved by .thebody.

The horizontal component is F cosθ

The distance moved is s.

Thus,

Work done,
W=Fcosθ

Xs

Work done when the force acts at ri ght angles to the di rection of motion

Cos 90=0

Therefore,W=0

Work done when the force acts opposite to the direction of motion

Cos 180=-1

Therefore,

W=-Fxs

Work can be of three types

Zero

Positive

Negative

Zero work
When a force acts at right angles to the direction of motion of the body.

Eg; A man carrying suitcases strictly horizontally.

A body moving in a circular path.

Centripetal force is perpendicular to the motion of the body.

Positive work
When a force acts in the direction of motion of the body.

Direction of displacement is same as the direction of force.

Positive work increases the speed of the body.

Eg:Apple fal ling from a tree.

Accelerating a vehicle
Negative work
when a force acts opposite t o the direction of motion of the
body.
Direction of displacement is opposite to the direction of force.
Negative work decreases the speed of the body.
Eg:Friction while walking
Applying brakes while driving

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