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IN

IN

APPLICATION

Crash barrels are often used

along roadways for crash
protection. The barrels absorb the
cars kinetic energy by deforming.
If we know the typical velocity of
an oncoming car and the amount
of energy that can be absorbed
by each barrel, how can we
design a crash cushion?

Type of
Forces

External
force

Force
generated
by gravity

Force
contact
surfaces

Friction
force

WORK DONE BY A CONSTANT FORCE

The work done on an object by a constant (i.e. displacement
independent) force F is given by

W = Fs s
Unit : [W] = N m = J (Joule)
s : magnitude of displacement
Fs : magnitude of the force in the direction of the
displacement
W can be positive or negative:
W = + Fs s if Fs points in the same direction as s
W = - Fs s if Fs is opposite of s

Express your understanding of the concept and mathematics of work

by answering the following questions
Apply the work equation to determine the amount of work done
by the applied force in each of the three situations described
below.

You are towing a car up a hill with constant

velocity.
The work done on the car by the normal force is:
1. positive
2. negative
correct
3. zero

FN

W
The normal force is perpendicular to the
displacement, hence, does no work.

You are towing a car up a hill with constant velocity.

The work done on the car by the gravitational force is:
1. positive
2. negative
3. zero
correct

FN

W
With the surface defined as the x-axis, the x
component of gravity is in the opposite direction
of the displacement, therefore work is negative.

You are towing a car up a hill with constant

velocity.
The work done on the car by the tension force is:
correct
1. positive
2. negative
3. zero

FN

W
Tension is in the same direction as the
displacement.

A force of 50 N acts on the block at the angle shown in the

diagram. The block moves
a horizontal distance of 3.0 m. How much work is done by the
applied force?

There is an apple having a force applied perpendicularly on it.

However, it moves 5m in X direction. Calculate the work done by
the force.

PRINCIPLE OF WORK AND

ENERGY
Kinetic Energy
If the force doing work is the net force
then

FOR A
SPRING
Recall that the force of an elastic spring is F = ks. It is important to
realize that the
potential energy of a spring, while it looks similar, is a different formula

POTENTIAL ENERGY