Question

Two men, Joel and Jerry, each pushes an object that are identical on a horizontal frictionless floor starting from rest. Joel and Jerry are using the same force F. Jerry stops after 10 min, while Joel is able to push for 5.0 min longer. Compare the work they do.

Answer 1

Answer:

The work done by Joel is greater than the work done by Jerry.

Explanation:

Let suppose that forces are parallel or antiparallel to the direction of motion. Given that Joel and Jerry exert constant forces on the object, the definition of work can be simplified as:

$W = F\cdot \Delta s$

Where:

$W$ - Work, measured in joules.

$F$ - Force exerted on the object, measured in newtons.

$\Delta s$ - Travelled distance by the object, measured in meters.

During the first 10 minutes, the net work exerted on the object is zero. That is:

$W_{net} = W_{Joel} - W_{Jerry}$

$W_{net} = F\cdot \Delta s - F\cdot \Delta s$

$W_{net} = (F-F)\cdot \Delta s$

$W_{net} = 0\cdot \Delta s$

$W_{net} = 0\,J$

In exchange, the net work in the next 5 minutes is the work done by Joel on the object:

$W_{net} = W_{Joel}$

$W_{net} = F\cdot \Delta s$

Hence, the work done by Joel is greater than the work done by Jerry.