Is Work done when there is constant velocity?

In summary, the conversation discusses the work done on a bag of textbooks being carried horizontally at a constant velocity for a distance of 25 m. It is concluded that because of the constant velocity, the net force is zero and therefore, no work is done in the horizontal direction. However, there may be work being done in the vertical direction, depending on the displacement.
  • #1
ericka141
8
0

Homework Statement


"You carry your 14.0 kg bag of textbooks horizontally 1.8 m above the ground, at constant velocity for a distance of 25 m. Ignore wind resistance. How much work do you do on the bag in the process?"

Homework Equations


W=Fd
F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


If work equals force times distance, and force is equal to mass times acceleration, wouldn't the whole thing equal zero because of the constant velocity = no acceleration?
 
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  • #2
ericka141 said:
If work equals force times distance, and force is equal to mass times acceleration, wouldn't the whole thing equal zero because of the constant velocity = no acceleration?
The net force on the bag is zero. But what force do you exert and what work does that force do?
 
  • #3
ericka141 said:
...If work equals force times distance...

W=∫F.ds
use that along with what Doc Al suggested.
:wink:
 
  • #4
So is there only work being done in the vertical direction, aka. the force is takes you to physically hold the bag up?
 
  • #5
If there's displacement in that direction, yes. Work is proportional to displacement.
 

Related to Is Work done when there is constant velocity?

1. Is there any work being done when an object moves at a constant velocity?

Yes, work is still being done on the object even when it is moving at a constant velocity. Work is defined as the product of the force applied on an object and the displacement of the object in the direction of the force. As long as there is a force acting on the object, work is being done.

2. How does work relate to constant velocity?

Work and constant velocity are related through the concept of net work. Net work is the total amount of work done on an object, and it is equal to the change in the object's kinetic energy. When an object is moving at a constant velocity, there is no change in its kinetic energy, thus the net work being done on the object is zero.

3. Can work be negative when an object has constant velocity?

Yes, work can be negative when an object has constant velocity. This can happen when the force applied on the object is in the opposite direction of the displacement of the object. In this case, the work done on the object would be negative, indicating that the object is losing energy.

4. How does the angle between force and displacement affect work with constant velocity?

The angle between force and displacement does not affect work when an object has constant velocity. This is because the work equation only considers the force component that is in the direction of the displacement. Therefore, as long as the object is moving at a constant velocity, the angle between force and displacement does not have any impact on the work being done on the object.

5. Why is it important to consider work when an object has constant velocity?

Considering work when an object has constant velocity is important because it helps us understand the energy changes happening in the system. Even though the object's speed may not be changing, the work being done on it can still affect its energy. This is especially important in situations where the force may be changing and the object is still moving at a constant velocity.

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