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Work and Energy 🔄
Definition of Work
Work is an abstract idea related to energy. When work is done, it is accompanied
by a change in energy. When work is done by an object, it loses energy. And when
work is done on an object, it gains energy.
Conditions for Work to be Done
For work to be done on an object, two conditions must be met:
A force must be applied to the object.
The object must move in the direction of the force applied.
Examples of Work
If an object is pushed and it moves in the direction of the force applied, work is
done.
If an object is moving and a force is applied to it in the same direction as its
motion, work is done.
If an object is at rest and a force is applied to it, but it does not move, no work is
done.
Example: Carrying a Backpack
Consider a person carrying a backpack. The force applied to the backpack is upwards, but the
person is moving in a different direction. In this case, no work is done by the force applied to the
backpack.
Calculating Work
The work done by a force can be calculated using the formula:
W =F ×d
Where:
Symbol Definition
W Work injoules, J
F Force innewtons, N
d Displacement inmeters, m
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Example: Pushing a Chair
Suppose a chair is pushed with a 500 N force along a 7 m aisle. The work done can be
calculated as:
W = 500, N × 7, m = 3500, J
Energy Transfer
When work is done on an object, energy is transferred to the object. This energy can take the
form of kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
Example: Rolling a Ball
Consider a ball that is rolled along the floor to hit some empty plastic bottles or bowling pins.
When the ball is pushed, work is done on the ball, and energy is transferred to the ball. This
energy becomes the motion energy of the ball, causing it to move continuously.
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