Work Done on an Incline: Questions Answered

In summary, work done on an incline is the energy required to move an object up or down an inclined plane. It is calculated using the formula W = mghsinθ and is important in understanding the energy needed in real-world scenarios. The angle of the incline affects the work done by increasing it as the incline becomes steeper and approaching zero at 90 degrees. Work can be negative on an incline when the force of gravity is doing work in the opposite direction of the applied force.
  • #1
sparkle123
175
0
When pushing an object up an incline, isn't work done in the horizontal direction?
But when lifting it direction, no work is done in the horizontal direction.
So why does my textbook say that the work done in both cases is the same? :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Work done is a scalar quantity. It does not have any direction.
Can you quote the exact paragraph from your book?
 

Related to Work Done on an Incline: Questions Answered

1. What is work done on an incline?

Work done on an incline refers to the amount of force required to move an object up or down an inclined plane. It is a measure of the energy expended in moving the object against gravity.

2. How is work done on an incline calculated?

The formula for calculating work done on an incline is W = mghsinθ, where W is work done, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h is the height of the incline, and θ is the angle of the incline.

3. Why is work done on an incline important?

Work done on an incline is important because it helps us understand the amount of energy required to move an object on an inclined plane. This is applicable in many real-world scenarios, such as moving heavy objects on ramps or hills.

4. How does the angle of the incline affect the work done?

The angle of the incline affects the work done in two ways. First, the steeper the incline, the more work is required to move the object against gravity. Second, as the angle of the incline approaches 90 degrees, the work done approaches zero because the object is not moving horizontally.

5. Can work be negative on an incline?

Yes, work can be negative on an incline. This occurs when the force of gravity is doing work in the opposite direction of the applied force, such as when an object is moving down an incline. In this case, the work done is negative because the object is losing energy.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
170
Replies
24
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
580
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
679
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
758
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
1K
Back
Top