Materials - Work

Question 1

Work

Answer 1

• Concept that links energy and force
• Sometimes expressed in units of Nm to link force and distance clearer.
• W = F * d * cosθ is the equation for work done, if an angle is not involved the cosθ can be discarded.
• If the force is perpendicular to the path, then no work will be done on or by the object.
• equally if there is no motion, then no work is done, and there is no transfer of energy.

Question 2

Work in One Dimension

Answer 2

• Work done in one dimension is not affected by angle, so the equation is W = F*d
• When the force is perpendicular to the direction the box is moving in, no work would have been done on the box.

Question 3

Work in Two Dimensions

Answer 3

• When two dimensions are involved, you need to consider the fact that the force might be coming from an angle
• If this occurs you would use the Equation W = F * d * cosθ

Question 4

Positive and Negative Work

Answer 4

• Work can also be done by an object, if W < 0, then work is being done by the object, if W > 0 then work is being done on the object.