- #1
Matriculant
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Homework Statement
A man in a wheel chair is being pushed up a slope, for a distance of 10 metres. He is moving at a constant velocity. What is the net work done when he reaches the top of the slope?
Homework Equations
W = FX
The Attempt at a Solution
I just seem to have forgotten something basic.
The answer stated on the memo is that no work has been done, as
W = FX ( F = 0 due to constant velocity )
However, the thing that my mind can't seem to comprehend as of late, is that the total mechanical energy of the system has increased as the object has gained gravitational
potential energy.
Therefor, in my mind, the force that is being used to overcome the force of gravity is doing
work, as the body is gaining energy.
Essentially, I am at the moment believing that Mechanical Energy Final - Mechanical Energy Initial = Work Done
I'm quite lost. If I have misunderstood the concept of work, then I would gladly take a point to the right direction.
Thanks :)