Question

You are unloading a refrigerator from a delivery van. The ramp on the van is 5.0 m long, and its top end is 1.4 m above the ground. As the refrigerator moves down the ramp, you are on the down side of the ramp trying to slow the motion by pushing horizontally against the refrigerator with a force of 270N .Part AHow much work do you do on the refrigerator during its trip down the ramp?W = ???

Answer 1

Answer:

W = 1401.84 J

Explanation:

Work = Force * distance

In this case, we consider the force acting in the direction of the displacement.

We can first find this displacement on the ramp using the pythagoras theorem:

Distance = $\sqrt{X^2 + Y^2}$

Distance = $\sqrt{5^2 + 1.4^2}$

Distance = 5.192 meters

The force applied in the direction of displacement will be:

Force = 270 * Cos(angle of incline)

Angle of incline = $Tan^-^1(1.4/5)$

Angle of incline = 15.642 °

Thus force applied:

F = 270 * Cos(15.642)

F = 260 N

Thus, work done will be:

W = Force * Distance

W = 260 * 5.192

W = 1349.92 J