Math Problem Statement

The three ropes shown in the bird's-eye view of (Figure 1) are used to drag a crate 4.6 m across the floor. How much work is done by each of the three forces?

The three ropes shown in the bird's-eye view of (Figure 1) are used to drag a crate 4.6 m across the floor. How much work is done by each of the three forces?

Solution

To calculate the work done by each of the three forces (T1T_1, T2T_2, and T3T_3) on the crate as it moves 4.6 m across the floor, we use the formula for work:

W=Fdcos(θ)W = F \cdot d \cdot \cos(\theta)

where:

  • WW is the work done by the force,
  • FF is the magnitude of the force,
  • dd is the distance over which the force is applied (in this case, 4.6 m),
  • θ\theta is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.

Analyzing Each Force:

  1. Force T1=600NT_1 = 600 \, \text{N}:

    • The angle θ1\theta_1 between T1T_1 and the direction of motion is 2020^\circ.
    • Work done by T1T_1: W1=6004.6cos(20)W_1 = 600 \cdot 4.6 \cdot \cos(20^\circ)
  2. Force T2=410NT_2 = 410 \, \text{N}:

    • The angle θ2\theta_2 between T2T_2 and the direction of motion is 3030^\circ.
    • Work done by T2T_2: W2=4104.6cos(30)W_2 = 410 \cdot 4.6 \cdot \cos(30^\circ)
  3. Force T3=660NT_3 = 660 \, \text{N}:

    • The angle θ3\theta_3 between T3T_3 and the direction of motion is 180180^\circ, indicating that T3T_3 is directly opposite to the motion.
    • Work done by T3T_3: W3=6604.6cos(180)W_3 = 660 \cdot 4.6 \cdot \cos(180^\circ)
    • Since cos(180)=1\cos(180^\circ) = -1, W3W_3 will be negative, indicating that T3T_3 does work against the motion.

Calculating the Values:

Now, let’s compute each component.The work done by each of the three forces is as follows:

  1. Work done by T1T_1: W1=2593.55JW_1 = 2593.55 \, \text{J}
  2. Work done by T2T_2: W2=1633.32JW_2 = 1633.32 \, \text{J}
  3. Work done by T3T_3: W3=3036.00JW_3 = -3036.00 \, \text{J} (negative, indicating work against the direction of motion)

Would you like further explanation on any of these calculations, or do you have additional questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How does the direction of a force affect the work done?
  2. What would happen to the work values if the crate moved a longer distance?
  3. How would changing the angles of the forces impact the work done?
  4. Why is the work by T3T_3 negative, and what does it imply?
  5. How could we determine the net work done on the crate?

Tip: Remember, work is positive if the force is in the direction of motion and negative if it opposes it.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Work and Energy
Vector Components
Trigonometry

Formulas

Work formula: W = F * d * cos(θ)

Theorems

Work-Energy Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12