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How Do We Measure Work Done in Everyday Examples?

To understand work in physics, we need to know how force and movement relate to each other.

What is Work?

  • Work (W) is when you use a force (F) to move something a certain distance (d).
  • The formula to calculate work is:
    W=F×dcos(θ)W = F \times d \cos(\theta)
    Here, θ\theta is the angle between the force and the direction you are moving.

Everyday Examples

  1. Pushing a Box:

    • Imagine you push a box with a force of 10 N (Newtons) over a distance of 2 m (meters).
    • The work done is:
      W=10N×2m=20JW = 10 \, \text{N} \times 2 \, \text{m} = 20 \, \text{J}
      (Joules are a unit of work.)
  2. Lifting an Object:

    • If you lift a 5 kg backpack up 1.5 m (meters) against gravity, you are also doing work.
    • To find that work:
      W=F×d=mg×d=5kg×9.8m/s2×1.5m=73.5JW = F \times d = mg \times d = 5 \, \text{kg} \times 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 1.5 \, \text{m} = 73.5 \, \text{J}

Understanding work is important because it helps us see how energy is used in our everyday activities!

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How Do We Measure Work Done in Everyday Examples?

To understand work in physics, we need to know how force and movement relate to each other.

What is Work?

  • Work (W) is when you use a force (F) to move something a certain distance (d).
  • The formula to calculate work is:
    W=F×dcos(θ)W = F \times d \cos(\theta)
    Here, θ\theta is the angle between the force and the direction you are moving.

Everyday Examples

  1. Pushing a Box:

    • Imagine you push a box with a force of 10 N (Newtons) over a distance of 2 m (meters).
    • The work done is:
      W=10N×2m=20JW = 10 \, \text{N} \times 2 \, \text{m} = 20 \, \text{J}
      (Joules are a unit of work.)
  2. Lifting an Object:

    • If you lift a 5 kg backpack up 1.5 m (meters) against gravity, you are also doing work.
    • To find that work:
      W=F×d=mg×d=5kg×9.8m/s2×1.5m=73.5JW = F \times d = mg \times d = 5 \, \text{kg} \times 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 1.5 \, \text{m} = 73.5 \, \text{J}

Understanding work is important because it helps us see how energy is used in our everyday activities!

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