Work Scenarios

Run Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

This interactive diagram demonstrates how the angle between an applied force and displacement affects the work done. Five common physics scenarios are shown:

1. Pushing Cart - Force and displacement in the same direction (θ = 0°, maximum positive work)
2. Lifting Box - Upward force with upward displacement (θ = 0°, positive work against gravity)
3. Friction - Force opposite to displacement (θ = 180°, maximum negative work)
4. Carrying Box - Force perpendicular to displacement (θ = 90°, zero work)
5. Pulling Sled - Force at an adjustable angle (interactive, W = Fd cos θ)

Key Concepts

The work done by a constant force is:

\[W = F \cdot d \cdot \cos(\theta)\]

Where: - W = work (joules) - F = force magnitude (newtons) - d = displacement magnitude (meters) - θ = angle between force and displacement vectors

Controls

• Angle Slider: Adjusts the rope angle in Panel 5 from 0° to 90° to see how work changes

Learning Objectives

• Understand that only the component of force parallel to displacement does work
• Recognize that perpendicular forces do zero work
• Apply the work formula W = Fd cos(θ) to different scenarios