Understanding the Net Work Done on a 10 kg Block

In this article, we will explore the concept of net work done on a 10 kg block when it is moved 10 meters on a smooth horizontal surface along the direction of a 5 N force, and subsequently raised to a height of 5 meters. We will break down the calculation of the work done in both the horizontal and vertical directions, ultimately determining the total net work.

Work Done on a Block in Horizontal Motion

Firstly, let's consider the work done when the block is moved horizontally across a smooth surface. The formula for work done is given by W F × d, where F is the force applied and d is the distance over which the force is applied. In this scenario, the force applied is 5 Newtons (N) and the distance covered is 10 meters (m).

Horizontal work (Wh) 5 N × 10 m 50 J

Work Done in Elevating the Block Vertically

Next, let's calculate the work done when the block is lifted vertically to a height of 5 meters. The formula for this is W mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s2), and h is the height to which the object is raised. Here, the mass of the block is 10 kilograms (kg).

Vertical work (Wv) 10 kg × 9.8 m/s2 × 5 m 490 J

Total Net Work Done on the Block

To find the total net work done on the block, we need to add the work done in the horizontal direction and the work done in the vertical direction. This gives us the following total work:

Total work Wh Wv 50 J 490 J 540 J

Therefore, the net work done on the 10 kg block, considering both the horizontal movement and the vertical lift, is 540 joules (J).

Summary and Conclusion

The overarching lesson from this exploration is that the total work done on the block is the sum of the work done in the horizontal and vertical directions. This calculation is crucial for understanding the dynamics of forces and energy in mechanical systems. Whether it's in physics or engineering, the principles of work and energy are fundamental to solving real-world problems.