Physics Fundamentals: Work Done

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of work done in two scenarios: an object moving up a ramp and an object moving vertically up. The question is whether the work done is the same in both cases. The relevant equations for this problem are work done = force x distance, kinetic energy = 0.5*mass*velocity^2, and gravitational potential energy = mass*acceleration due to gravity*height. The suggestion is to calculate the force * distance in both cases, assuming that the object starts from rest and comes to a stop at the top, to simplify the problem.
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Homework Statement



This is a theoretical question that I do not quite fully understand. " An object moving up a 6m ramp to a height of 2m v.s vertically moving an object up 2m." Someone tell me the work done is the same for both scenario. How are they the same? Surely kinetic energy is involved in moving the 6m ramp, am I right?

Homework Equations



Work done = Force x Distance
Kinetic Energy = 0.5*mass*velocity^2
Gravitational Potential Energy = mass*acceleration due to gravity*height


The Attempt at a Solution



Can someone explain why moving an object vertically up has the same work done as moving the object up the ramp, both at the same height?
 
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  • #2
Work out force * distance in both cases.

Assume that the object starts from rest and coasts to a halt at the top in both cases - that allows you to forget about KE.
 

FAQ: Physics Fundamentals: Work Done

What is work done?

Work done is a measure of the energy transferred to or from an object by means of a force acting on the object. It is the product of the magnitude of the force and the distance over which the force is applied.

How is work done calculated?

Work done is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the force applied by the displacement of the object in the direction of the force. This can be represented by the equation W = Fd, where W is work done, F is the force, and d is the displacement.

What are the units of work done?

The SI unit of work done is joule (J). However, it can also be expressed in other units such as kilojoule (kJ) or ergs (erg). In imperial units, work done is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lb) or British thermal units (BTU).

How does work done relate to energy?

Work done is directly related to energy, as it is a measure of the energy transferred. In other words, work done is a way of quantifying the energy expended or gained by an object as a result of a force acting on it.

Can work done be negative?

Yes, work done can be negative if the force applied and the displacement of the object are in opposite directions. This indicates that the object is losing energy rather than gaining it. For example, if a person pushes a box up a hill and the box rolls back down, the work done by the person is negative.

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