Math Problem Statement

Sarah is being pushed by Mark with a force of 30 N over a horizontal distance of 25 m as part of a dance performance on a smooth floor. If Mark's push makes a constant angle of 15° with the horizontal, how much work did Mark do on Sarah during the performance? A. 720 J B. 725 J C. 725.5 J D. 724.7 J

Solution

To find the work done by Mark on Sarah, we use the formula for work done when a force is applied at an angle:

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

where:

  • F=30NF = 30 \, \text{N} is the force applied,
  • d=25md = 25 \, \text{m} is the distance over which the force is applied,
  • θ=15\theta = 15^\circ is the angle between the force and the horizontal direction.

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Calculate cos(15)\cos(15^\circ): cos(15)0.9659\cos(15^\circ) \approx 0.9659

  2. Substitute values into the work formula: W=30250.9659W = 30 \cdot 25 \cdot 0.9659

  3. Perform the multiplication: W724.425JW \approx 724.425 \, \text{J}

Rounding to the nearest tenth, we get: W724.4JW \approx 724.4 \, \text{J}

Answer

The closest answer is: D. 724.7 J

Would you like more details or have any questions?


  1. What is the significance of the angle in calculating work?
  2. How does the force direction affect work done if the angle were 90°?
  3. Why is work measured in joules?
  4. How would friction affect the work calculation?
  5. How do we calculate work if the force is not constant?

Tip: When calculating work with an angle, always use the horizontal component of the force for accurate results.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Physics
Work and Energy
Trigonometry

Formulas

Work formula: W = F * d * cos(θ)

Theorems

Work-Energy Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12