A 4 kg object is lifted from the floor and placed on a shelf that is 3 m above the floor. What was the work done in lifting the object?

1 answer

To calculate the work done in lifting an object against gravity, you can use the formula:

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

In this case:

  • The force is equal to the weight of the object, which can be calculated as:

\[ \text{Force} = \text{mass} \times g \]

where \( g \) (acceleration due to gravity) is approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \).

  • The distance is the height the object is lifted, which is \( 3 , \text{m} \).
  • Since the force is applied in the same direction as the displacement when lifting the object, \( \theta = 0^\circ \), and \( \cos(0)=1 \).

Now, substituting the values:

  1. Calculate the force (weight of the object): \[ \text{Force} = 4 , \text{kg} \times 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 = 39.24 , \text{N} \]

  2. Calculate the work done: \[ \text{Work} = 39.24 , \text{N} \times 3 , \text{m} \times \cos(0) = 39.24 , \text{N} \times 3 , \text{m} = 117.72 , \text{J} \]

Therefore, the work done in lifting the object is \( 117.72 , \text{J} \).