Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/html/web/app/themes/studypress-core-theme/template-parts/header/mobile-offcanvas.php on line 20

Is it possible to do work on an object that remains at rest? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, work requires displacement; a stationary object means no work is done.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Work

To solve this problem, let's start by understanding what 'work' means in physics. Work is defined as the process of transferring energy to an object via the application of a force along a displacement. Mathematically, it's given by the equation: \( W = F imes d imes \cos(\theta) \), where \( F \) is the force applied, \( d \) is the displacement of the object, and \( \theta \) is the angle between the force and the displacement.
02

Analyzing the Condition of Rest

Next, we need to analyze the condition that the object remains at rest. If the object remains at rest, its displacement \( d = 0 \). Even if you apply a force \( F \), according to the work formula \( W = F imes d imes \cos(\theta) \), the work done is zero as long as \( d = 0 \).
03

Conclusion on Work and Rest

As per the formula, when the displacement \( d \) is zero, the work done on the object is zero regardless of the force applied or the angle. Hence, it is not possible to do work on an object if it remains at rest because work requires displacement.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Displacement in Physics
Displacement is a core concept in physics that helps us understand the movement of objects. It refers to how far an object moves in a straight line and in a specific direction. Unlike distance, which only measures how much ground an object covers, displacement considers both the magnitude and the direction of movement.
In the context of work, displacement is crucial because it's part of the equation that defines work:
  • Work is only done when there is displacement.
  • Even if a force is applied, no displacement means no work is done.
  • Displacement is a vector quantity, which means it has both magnitude and direction.
This means if an object stays in the same place without moving, its displacement is zero. As a result, no work is accomplished even if a force is exerted. This helps explain why it's impossible to do work on an object that remains at rest.
Understanding Force
Force is any interaction that, when unopposed, changes the motion of an object. In simple terms, it's a push or a pull exerted on an object.
In physics, force is measured in newtons (N) and is often associated with causing objects to accelerate or change direction. Its role in the context of work is significant:
  • Without force, there cannot be displacement or work.
  • Force is crucial for energy transfer during work.
  • The direction of force affects how much work is done.
The angle between the applied force and the direction of displacement affects how effectively the force contributes to work. When the force and displacement are in the same direction, the full magnitude of the force contributes to doing work. No work is done if there's no displacement, even with an applied force. This showcases why merely applying a force on a resting object does not result in work being done.
The Role of Energy Transfer
Energy transfer is central to understanding why work is done on an object. When work happens, there is a transfer of energy from one system to another.
Work and energy transfer are deeply intertwined in physics:
  • Work is essentially the transfer of energy.
  • When work is done, energy is transferred to or from an object.
  • No energy transfer occurs if there is no displacement.
When you apply a force to an object and it moves (displacement occurs), energy from the force is transferred to the object, doing work. This energy might make the object move faster, gain height, or increase its potential or kinetic energy. If the object doesn't move, no energy is transferred, hence no work. This connection highlights the importance of displacement in determining whether energy transfer leads to work.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the speed of a 0.15-kg baseball whose kinetic energy is 77 J?

A small motor runs a lift that raises a load of bricks weighing 836 N to a height of 10.7 m in 23.2 s. Assuming that the bricks are lifted with constant speed, what is the minimum power the motor must produce?

Human-Powered Flight Human-powered aircraft require a pilot to pedal, as on a bicycle, and to produce a sustained power output of about \(0.30 \mathrm{hp}(1 \mathrm{hp}=746 \mathrm{~W})\). The Gossamer Albatross flew across the English Channel on June 12,1979 , in \(2 \mathrm{~h} 49 \mathrm{~min}\). (a) How much energy did the pilot expend during the flight? (b) How many candy bars (280 Cal per bar) would the pilot have to consume to be "fueled up" for the flight? Note that a nutritional calorie (1 Cal) is equivalent to 1000 calories (1000 cal) as defined in physics. In addition, the conversion factor between calories and joules is as follows: \(1 \mathrm{Cal}=1000 \mathrm{cal}=1 \mathrm{kcal}=4186 \mathrm{~J} .\)

Analyze Discuss the various energy conversions that occur when a person performs a pole vault. Include as many conversions as you can. Be sure to consider times before, during, and after the vault itself.

A \(1.3-\mathrm{kg}\) block is pushed up against a stationary spring, compressing it a distance of \(4.2 \mathrm{~cm}\). When the block is released, the spring pushes it away across a frictionless, horizontal surface. What is the speed of the block, given that the spring constant of the spring is \(1400 \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{m}\) ?

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free