Question

A forklift raises a 1,020 N crate 3.50 m up to a shelf. How much work is done by the forklift on the crate?

Answer 1

To calculate the work done by the forklift on the crate, we can use the formula for work, which is:

\[
\text{Work} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance} \times \cos(\theta)
\]

Where:
- \(\text{Force}\) is the force applied (in newtons),
- \(\text{Distance}\) is the distance over which the force is applied (in meters),
- \(\theta\) is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.

In this case:
- The force applied by the forklift is equal to the weight of the crate, which is 1,020 N.
- The distance moved upwards by the crate is 3.50 m.
- Since the force and the distance are in the same direction (both upward), \(\theta = 0\) degrees.

The cosine of 0 degrees is 1. Thus, the formula simplifies to:

\[
\text{Work} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance}
\]
\[
\text{Work} = 1,020 \, \text{N} \times 3.50 \, \text{m}
\]
\[
\text{Work} = 3,570 \, \text{J} \, (\text{joules})
\]

Therefore, the work done by the forklift on the crate is **3,570 Joules**.