Math Problem Statement

A sled is pulled along a level path through snow by a rope. A 30-lb force acting at an angle of 35° above the horizontal moves the sled 60 ft. Find the work done by the force. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.)

Solution

To calculate the work done by the force, we can use the formula:

Work=Fdcos(θ)\text{Work} = F \cdot d \cdot \cos(\theta)

Where:

  • FF is the force applied (30 lb)
  • dd is the distance moved (60 ft)
  • θ\theta is the angle of the force above the horizontal (35°)

First, substitute the given values into the formula:

Work=30×60×cos(35)\text{Work} = 30 \times 60 \times \cos(35^\circ)

Now, let's calculate the cosine of 35° and then find the work done:

cos(35)0.8192\cos(35^\circ) \approx 0.8192

Work30×60×0.8192\text{Work} \approx 30 \times 60 \times 0.8192

Work1474.56 ft-lb\text{Work} \approx 1474.56 \text{ ft-lb}

Rounding to the nearest whole number, the work done by the force is approximately 1475 ft-lb.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How would the work done change if the angle was 45° instead of 35°?
  2. What is the significance of the cosine function in the work calculation?
  3. How would the work done be affected if the force was doubled but the distance remained the same?
  4. Can work be negative? If so, in what scenarios?
  5. What is the difference between work done and energy expended?

Tip: When dealing with angles in work calculations, always ensure you use the angle relative to the direction of motion.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Physics
Work-Energy Principle
Trigonometry

Formulas

Work = F * d * cos(θ)

Theorems

Work-Energy Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12