Question

A force does work on an object if a component of the force is

Answer 1

Answer:

A force does work on an object if a component of the force is parallel to the displacement of the object.

Explanation:

Work, a measurement of energy is said to be done when a force applied to an object results in the movement of that object to a certain distance and direction. Force is the act of push or pulls occurs on an object as a result of the interaction between that object with another one and displacement is the distance and direction covered by that object as a result of the force applied on it.

The work done (W) by a constant force (F) is equal to the product of the force in the direction of displacement of the object and the distance (d) moved by the object i.e., W = F * d.

The angle between the displacement and the force is θ, then the work done, W = Fd cos θ  ........ (1)

Positive work - Force acts in the same direction with respect to the displacement of the object. Here, θ is zero, so cos θ i.e., cos 0 is 1. Therefore, from the equation (1), W = Fd (i.e., work done by the force is positive).

Negative work - Force acts in the opposite direction with respect to the displacement of the object.  Here, θ is 180°, so cos θ i.e., cos 180° is -1. Therefore, from the equation (1), W = -Fd (i.e., work done by the force is negative).

If a force is applied to an object and it does not move, then the work done is zero i.e., W = F * 0 = 0. Also, if the force and displacement are at right angle to each other, then θ is 90°. Therefore, from the equation (1), W = 0 since cos 90° is zero.