Answer Total Work Question: Understand Why Total Work is Zero with ΔPE

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In summary, total work in physics is the sum of all work done by an object or system, taking into account both the magnitude and direction of the force applied, as well as the displacement of the object. It is related to potential energy through the work-energy theorem, where the total work is equal to the change in kinetic energy plus the change in potential energy. When there is no change in potential energy, the total work is zero. Understanding total work and ΔPE helps to understand the relationship between force and displacement, and is important in various fields of physics. Total work can also be negative if the force and displacement are in opposite directions.
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Speedking96
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Below is the question:

upload_2014-11-16_17-4-49.png


My equation for Work Total is:

Delta PE = Wspring + Wgravity

However, the solution key says that the Wspring + Wgravity = 0

I fail to understand this, why is the total work zero when there is a change in potential energy?
 

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[edit: better way to say it]
If you come up with both gravitational PE and another total PE, you end up with more energy than the spring put into the system. You're counting the GPE twice.
 

FAQ: Answer Total Work Question: Understand Why Total Work is Zero with ΔPE

What is total work in physics?

Total work in physics is the sum of all the work done by an object or system. It takes into account both the magnitude and direction of the force applied to an object, as well as the displacement of the object.

How is total work related to potential energy?

Total work is related to potential energy through the concept of work-energy theorem. According to this theorem, the total work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy plus the change in its potential energy.

Why is total work zero when there is no change in potential energy?

When there is no change in potential energy, it means that the object is not moving vertically, and therefore no work is being done against gravity. This results in a zero change in potential energy, and consequently, the total work is also zero.

What is the significance of understanding total work and ΔPE?

Understanding total work and ΔPE helps us to understand the relationship between the force applied to an object and its displacement. It also helps us to calculate the amount of work done by a system, which is crucial in various fields of physics, such as mechanics and thermodynamics.

Can total work ever be negative?

Yes, total work can be negative. This happens when the force applied to an object is in the opposite direction of its displacement. In this case, the work done by the force will result in a decrease in the object's kinetic energy, leading to a negative change in its potential energy.

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