A force (F) of 10 N is applied on a body, causing it to move 5 m in the direction of the force. The work done (W) is _____.
- AOption (a)
50 J
- BOption (b)
5 J
- COption (c)
15 J
- DOption (d)
2 J
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Correct answer
50 J
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is 50 J.
Key Points
- Work done (W) is calculated using the formula: W = F × d × cos(θ), where:
- F is the force applied (10 N).
- d is the displacement of the object (5 m).
- θ is the angle between the force and displacement direction (0° since the force is applied in the direction of movement).
- Substituting the values into the formula:
- W = 10 × 5 × cos(0°).
- Since cos(0°) = 1, the equation becomes W = 10 × 5 × 1 = 50 J.
- The work done is measured in joules (J), which is the SI unit of work and energy.
- Since the force is applied in the same direction as the displacement, the full magnitude of the force contributes to the work done.
- Hence, the correct answer is 50 J.
Additional Information
- Work:
- Work is defined as the energy transferred to or from an object via the application of force along a displacement.
- It is mathematically expressed as W = F × d × cos(θ), where:
- F = magnitude of the force.
- d = displacement of the object.
- θ = angle between the force and displacement vectors.
- Work is positive when the force and displacement are in the same direction and negative when they are in opposite directions.
- Energy and Work:
- Work is closely related to energy. When work is done on an object, energy is transferred to or from that object.
- The unit of both work and energy in the SI system is the joule (J).
- 1 joule is defined as the work done when a force of 1 newton moves an object 1 meter in the direction of the force.
- Force:
- Force is defined as an interaction that, when unopposed, changes the motion of an object.
- The SI unit of force is the newton (N), and 1 newton is equivalent to 1 kg·m/s².
- In this problem, a force of 10 N is applied to the object.
- Displacement:
- Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object.
- In this problem, the object is displaced by 5 m in the direction of the applied force.
- Angle between Force and Displacement:
- The angle between the force and displacement is crucial in calculating work.
- When θ = 0°, cos(θ) = 1, and the entire force contributes to the work.
- If θ = 90°, cos(θ) = 0, and no work is done.
Important Points
- Conditions for Work to be Done:
- There must be a force acting on the object.
- The object must be displaced due to the force.
- The displacement must have a component in the direction of the force.
- Real-life Application:
- Work can be seen in activities like lifting weights, pushing a cart, or pulling an object.
- In engineering, the concept of work is fundamental to understanding machines, engines, and other systems that transfer energy.