Question

How do you calculate the work done on an object when you push it?

Answer 1

The work done on an object when you push it is given by the formula:

Work = Force × Distance × cosθ

where:
- Force is the amount of force you apply on the object (in newtons)
- Distance is the distance the object moves in the direction of the force (in meters)
- θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion (if the force is applied at an angle)

If the force is applied parallel to the direction of motion, the angle θ is 0° and cosθ is equal to 1, so the formula simplifies to:

Work = Force × Distance

For example, if you push a box with a force of 50 newtons for a distance of 2 meters along a level surface, the work done on the box is:

Work = 50 N × 2 m × cos(0) = 100 J (joules)