Sue's brother is on a sled on top of ice (assume no friction). Sue is pulling her brother with 15 N of force at a 38 degree angle above the horizontal. Calculate the work done if she pulls him for 50 meters.

Using the equation W = F * d we know work is equal to the force in the same direction as the distance moved. To find the force in the same direction as the distance we must find the horizontal component. To find the x-component we need cos(38), remember to put your calculator in degree mode! Now multipy the answer by the 15N of force to find the magnitude. The force in the direction of the distance travled is then 11.82N. The question gives the distance to be 50m. Plugging our values into the equation gives W = 11.82 * 50 which is 591.0J 

Answered by Emily B. Physics tutor

1133 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

When a hailstone of 0 C falls towards the earth, the kinetic energy of the hailstone is transferred to thermal energy in the ice. What is the minimum speed so that it just melts when it hits the surface. The latent heat of fusion of ice is 340 kJ/kg.


How can I derive the energy of an electron using the electron in a box model?


How do I calculate the speed of the International Space Station moving in a circular orbit around the Earth?


Give the unit of energy, using only the base SI units kg, m and s.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy