Math Problem Statement

Two students, Bernie and Hilary, are pushing boxes. Bernie pushes a box with a force of 20 N. Hilary pushes a box 1.5 m and does 40.5 J of work. The two students want to know who pushes a box with greater force. Determine whether the following statements are true or false: 1. An equation to calculate force is F = W/d. 2. Hilary pushes her box with a force of 60.75 N. 3. Hilary pushes her box with a greater force than Bernie.

Solution

Let's analyze the problem and statements one by one.

Given:

  • Equation for work: W=FdW = F \cdot d, where:

    • WW is the work in joules (J),
    • FF is the force in newtons (N),
    • dd is the distance in meters (m).
  • Bernie: Pushes with a force of 20 N.

  • Hilary: Pushes for a distance of 1.5 m and does 40.5 J of work.

Solve for Hilary's Force:

Using the equation W=FdW = F \cdot d: F=Wd=40.51.5=27N.F = \frac{W}{d} = \frac{40.5}{1.5} = 27 \, \text{N}. Hilary pushes her box with a force of 27 N.


Evaluate Statements:

  1. "An equation to calculate force is F=WdF = \frac{W}{d}":

    • This is true, as derived directly from W=FdW = F \cdot d.
  2. "Hilary pushes her box with a force of 60.75 N":

    • This is false; Hilary's calculated force is 27 N.
  3. "Hilary pushes her box with a greater force than Bernie":

    • True, because Hilary's force (27 N) is greater than Bernie's force (20 N).

Final Answers:

  1. True
  2. False
  3. True

Would you like a detailed explanation of any part?


Related Questions:

  1. How is work calculated in physics, and what does it represent?
  2. Why is Hilary's force greater even if her distance is less than Bernie's?
  3. What are the units of work, force, and distance in the SI system?
  4. How does force differ from work conceptually?
  5. Can work be done without moving the object? Why or why not?

Tip:

Always ensure all quantities (force, distance, work) are in compatible units before performing calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Work
Force
Distance
Basic Algebra

Formulas

W = F * d
F = W/d

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8