Lecture 5

WORK
DONE
BY A

CONSTANT FORCE

1.0 SYSTEM AND ENVIRONMENT

The system model is a critical skill necessary in analyzing problems and applications
relating to energy – a new quantity that will be discussed in this module. This model
focuses on the system which is a small portion of the Universe and ignores the details of
those outside the system called environment or surroundings.
A system can be a single or a collection of objects or particles or a region of space. The
system boundary defines the extent of the system. It divides the Universe into the
system and the surrounding environment. By determining the system, surroundings and
system boundary, the difference between internal and external forces and how they
influence the
chosen system can now be defined.

For example, consider a car being pulled by a truck along a concrete road shown in Fig. 1.
If the car, rope and truck is considered as the whole system, then the external influences
on the system would include gravitational, normal and friction forces. The tension exerted
by the
rope on
either car
or truck is
not
included in
the analysis because this force is internal to the system.

Figure 1. Car-Rope-Truck system

2.0 WORK

In Physics, work is a scalar quantity defined as the amount of energy transferred when an
# #⃗
object is moved over a certain distance due to an external force ! � % that at least part
of which is applied in the direction of the displacement (∆�#⃗). It is calculated by getting
# #⃗ # #⃗
the scalar or dot product of � and ∆�#⃗ as given in EQ. 1, where � is given in
Newtons (N), ∆�#⃗ in meters (m), and W in N-m or Joules (J).
# #⃗
� = � ∙ ∆�#⃗ (EQ. 1)

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Though work is a scalar quantity, it could still be a positive or negative value depending
on whether energy is added or removed from the system. By convention, we follow that: •
Work is positive if energy is transferred into or done on the system; and • Work is
 negative if energy is transferred from or done by the system.

Figure 2. Sign convention for Work

2.1 SCALAR / DOT PRODUCT

The scalar or dot product is an algebraic operation that gets the product of two vectors and
##⃗ # #⃗
returns a scalar quantity. Consider the two vectors � and � shown in Fig. 3, the dot
product of these vectors is defined as in EQ. 2, where θ is the angle formed between
# #⃗ # #⃗ # #⃗ # #⃗
� and � . � ∙ � ≡ �� cos � (EQ. 2)

##⃗
Figure 3. Scalar product of vectors � and �##⃗

In determining the scalar product, it is important to keep in mind the following properties: •
The scalar product follows both the commutative and distributive properties of
multiplication as shown in EQ. 3 and EQ. 4, respectively.
##⃗ # #⃗ ##⃗ ##⃗
� ∙ � =� ∙� (EQ. 3)
# #⃗ # #⃗ ##⃗ # #⃗ # #⃗ ##⃗ ##⃗
� ∙! � +� % = ! � ∙ � % + (� ∙� ) (EQ. 4)
##⃗ # #⃗
• If vectors � and � are parallel and point towards the same direction, then θ =
0° and cos θ = 1, therefore:
##⃗ ##⃗
� ∙� = �� (when θ = 0°) (EQ. 5)
##⃗ ##⃗
• If vectors � and � are parallel and have opposite directions, then θ = 180°
and cos θ = –1, therefore
##⃗ ##⃗
� ∙� = −�� (when θ = 180°) (EQ. 6)
# #⃗ ##⃗
• If vectors � and � are perpendicular to each other, then θ = 90° and cos θ =
0, therefore
##⃗ ##⃗
� ∙� = 0 (when θ = 90°) (EQ. 7)
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For vectors expressed in component or unit vector form, the scalar product is obtained
through the FOIL method used when multiplying binomial expressions. Considering
# #⃗ ##⃗ # #⃗ ##⃗
vectors � and � , where � = �!:̂+ �"<̂and � = �!:̂+ �"<, the scalar product
##⃗ ##⃗
of ̂ � and � is given as:

# #⃗ # #⃗
� ∙ � = !�!:̂+ �"<̂% ∙
!�!:̂+ �"<̂% (EQ. 8)
##⃗ ##⃗
Using FOIL method: � ∙� = (�!:̂∙
�!:̂) + !�!:̂∙ �"<̂% + !�"<̂∙ �!:̂% + !�"<̂∙
�"<̂% (EQ. 9)

To simplify this equation, it is

important to note that the scalar
product of :̂or <̂with itself is just
equal to 1 (refer to EQ. 10) since it
has a magnitude of 1 and points to
the same direction. On the other
hand, the scalar product of :̂and
<̂is zero (EQ. 11) since they are
perpendicular with each other.
:̂∙ :̂= 1
and <̂∙
<̂= 1
(EQ.
10)
:̂∙ <̂= 0
(EQ.
11)

Therefore, simplifying EQ. 9,

# #⃗
� ∙
# #⃗
�
= �!�!
+
�"�"
(EQ.
12)

2.2 WORK DONE BY A CONSTANT FORCE

 # #⃗
Consider the car in Fig. 1 as the system, the external force ! � % contributed by the pull
of the truck causes the car to move a certain displacement (∆#�⃗) as illustrated in Fig. 4.
If this external force is constant and does not change throughout the motion, then the
amount of work transferred is given by EQ. 13, where θ is the angle formed from the
path of motion to the external force. If the vectors are given in component form, then
work is calculated using EQ. 14.
# #⃗
� = � ∙ ∆�#⃗ = �∆� cos � (EQ. 13)
##⃗
�=� ∙ ∆#�⃗ = �!�! + �"�" (EQ. 14)

Figure 4. A car being pulled by a constant force

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SAMPLE PROBLEM 1 (scalar product of two vectors)

# #⃗
A constant force � = 2.5:̂+ 3<̂ is applied on an object which caused it to move over a
displacement expressed as ∆#�⃗ = −:̂+ 2.1<, where ̂ F is in Newtons and r is in meters.

Determine:
a.) The work done by the force on the object.
##⃗
b.) The angle formed between � and ∆�#⃗.

STEP
1: Get
the
amount
of work
due to
the
applied
force.
Since the vectors are given in unit vector form, work is calculated using EQ. 14.

# #⃗
� = � ∙ ∆#�⃗ = �!�! + �"�"
� = (2.5 ∗ −1) + (3 ∗ 2.1) = �. � �

STEP 2: Get the magnitudes of F and Δr.

To obtain the angle between the force and displacement, EQ. 13 is used. However, the
magnitudes of F and Δr must be obtained first using Pythagorean theorem.

� = I�!# + �"# = J2.5# + (3)# = 3.9051 �

∆� = I�!# + �"# = J(−1)# + 2.1# = 2.3259 �

STEP 3: Determine the angle between F and Δr.

The angle formed between F and Δr is obtained from EQ. 13 and by using the amount of
work calculated in Step 1.

� = �∆� cos �
3.8 � = (3.9051 �) ∗ (2.3259 �) ∗ cos �
� = cos$% P 3.8 �

(3.9051 �)(2.3259 �)Q = ��. ��°

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 SAMPLE PROBLEM 2 (object’s motion along a horizontal surface)

Consider a 900-kg car being pulled by a 1200-N force applied at an angle 30° with the
horizontal. The car travelled at a total distance of 5.0 m forward. The coefficient of
kinetic friction between the road and tires is 0.25.
Determine the work done by each of the external forces acting on the car.

STEP
1:
Identify
the
external
forces
acting
on the
car.

First, set the car as the system in consideration. Therefore, the external forces acting
on the car are:
1. The pulling force, P = 1200 N;
2. The kinetic friction (fk) between the road and tires of the car;
3. The normal force (FN); and
 4. The gravitational force (Fg).

STEP 2: Create a free-body diagram (FBD) showing all the external forces.

In establishing the FBD, it is important that the forces are properly labelled, and the
correct directions of the forces are shown. Take note that:
• The car is moving forward, therefore the displacement is towards the +x direction. •
The friction force is always in the opposite direction of the motion and thus points
towards the –x direction.
• The normal force is always perpendicular with the surface and therefore points to the
+y direction.
• The force due to gravity is always pointed straight down or to the –y direction.

Based on the FBD in Fig. 5, FN and Fg are both perpendicular to the path of motion.
Therefore, FN and Fg do zero work on the car.

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 Figure 5. Free-body diagram of the car pulled with a constant force

STEP 3: Calculate the magnitude of the friction force.

It is already established that only the P and fk do non-zero work on the car. To calculate
the work done by each force, the magnitude of the force and displacement of the object
must be known.

Recall, the friction force is calculated using the equation �� = ����. Thus, the normal
force must first be determined using summation of forces along the y-axis. Since there is
no motion along the y-direction, then the sum of the forces along y is just zero. The forces
acting along y are FN, Fg and the y-component of P.

Y�" = 0 = �( − �) + �"
� #
0 = �( − (900 ��) ]9.8 � _ + (1,200 �)(sin 30)
�( = 8820 � − 600 � = 8,220 �

Therefore, the kinetic friction force is

�* = �*�( = (0.25)(8220 �) = 2,055 �

STEP 4: Calculate the work done by each force.

Knowing that the displacement of the car is 5.0 m, the work done by each force can be
determined using EQ. 13.

Pulling force: � = �∆� cos � = (1200 �)(5.0 �) cos 30 = �, ���. ��

� Friction force: � = �*∆� cos � = (2055 �)(5.0 �) cos 180 = −��,
��� �

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 SAMPLE PROBLEM 3 (object’s motion along an incline)

Initially at rest, a 25-kg crate is pushed up an incline with a constant force P applied
parallel to the incline (Fig. 6). The crate’s speed is 3.8 m/s when it reached a point that
is 5.2 m from its initial position. The surface is inclined at 28° with the horizontal, and
the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the crate is 0.40.

Figure 6. A crate being pushed by a constant force along an incline

Determine the work due to the external forces acting on the crate.

STEP
1:
Create
a

free-body diagram.

As discussed in past modules, creating FBDs along an incline is simpler if the x and y
axes are shifted parallel and perpendicular to the incline, respectively. These shifted axes
are referred to as x’ and y’ in Fig. 7.
In this problem, the forces acting on the crate are the following:
1. Pushing force (P): Parallel to the incline and points to the +x’ direction; 2. Kinetic
friction (fk): Parallel to the incline but opposite the direction of motion (–x’ direction);
3. Normal force (FN): Perpendicular to the surface of the incline (+y’ direction); and 4.
Gravitational force (Fg): Points directly downwards and forms a 28° angle with the
y’-axis.

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 Figure 7. Free-body diagram of the crate

Based on the FBD, only FN is perpendicular to the path of motion and does zero work
on the crate.

STEP 2: Determine the magnitude of the external forces acting on the crate.

A. Gravitational force

� #
�) = �� = (25 ��) ]9.8 � _ = 245 �

B. Friction force

To calculate the fk, the value of FN must be determined first using summation of forces
along y’-axis. Since there is no motion along the y’-axis,

Y�"! = 0 = �( − �) cos 28
�( = �) cos 28 = (245 �) cos 28 = 216.3222 �

�* = �*�( = (0.40)(216.3222 �) = 86.5289 �

C. Pushing force

The pushing force P is calculated using the summation of forces along the x’-axis.
Since the motion is along this axis, Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion is applied.

Y�!! = ��!! = � − �* − �) sin 28

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To solve the value of P from this equation, the acceleration along the x’-axis (��,) must be
obtained first using the appropriate kinematic equation. It is already stated in the problem
that vi = 0 and vf = 3.8 m/s, therefore:

�-# =
�.# +
2�!!∆�,
 � # #
]3.8 �_ = 0 + 2�!! (5.2 �)
�!, = 3.8#
� #
2(5.2) = 1.3885 �

Substituting ��, in the equation for the summation of forces along x’,

� #
(25 ��) ]1.3885 � _ = � − 86.5289 � − (245 �) sin 28
� = 34.7125 � + 86.5289 � + 115.0205 � = 236.2619 �

STEP 3: Calculate the work done by each force.

Knowing that the total displacement is 5.2 m, calculate the work done using EQ. 13.
Remember that the θ in EQ. 13 is the angle formed from the path of motion (+x’-axis) to
the applied force.

Pushing force (θ = 0°): �/ = �∆� cos �/ = (236.2619 �)(5.2 �) cos 0 = �, ���. �� �

Friction force (θ = 180°): �-* = �*∆� cos �-* = (86.5289 �)(5.2 �) cos 180 = −���.

�� �

Gravitational force (θg = 180° + (90° – 28°) = 242°):

�) = �)∆� cos �) = (245 �)(5.2 �) cos 242 = −���. �� �

SUMMARY OF EQUATIONS

Scalar product
# #⃗ # #⃗ # #⃗
� ∙ � = �� cos � � = � ∙ ∆#�⃗ = �!�! + �"�"
# #⃗ # #⃗ ##⃗ # #⃗
� ∙ � = �!�! + �"�" When θ = 0°: � ∙ � =
##⃗
�� When θ = 90°: � ∙
Work done by a constant # #⃗
# #⃗ � = 0 When θ = 180°:
force � = � ∙ ∆#�⃗ = �∆�
##⃗ # #⃗
cos � � ∙ � = −��

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BOARD PROBLEM
A crate of mass 10.0 kg is pulled up a rough surface inclined at an angle of 20° with the
horizontal. The pulling force is 100 N parallel to the incline and moves the crate with an
initial speed of 1.50 m/s. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.40 and the crate is pulled 5.0
meters. Determine the work done by the following forces on the crate:
a. Gravitational force
b. 100-N pulling force
c. Friction force
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Name: Student Number: Instructor: Section:

PRACTICE & PROBLEM-SOLVING EXERCISES (PPE)

# 5: WORK DONE BY A CONSTANT FORCE
Copy and fill-out the header of the PPE for each page of your solution. Present neatly the
organized solutions to the following answered problems. Box the final answers. Copy and
sign the Thomasian Honor Code in the last page of your solution.

1. An object in a horizontal surface was moved by applying a constant force (in Newtons),
##⃗
� = 8:̂+ 5<.̂ If the object was displaced 9 m to the right, determine
a. The work done by the applied force on the object. (Ans: 72.0 J)
b. The angle at which the force is applied. (Ans: 32.0°)
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Name: Student Number: Instructor: Section:

PRACTICE & PROBLEM-SOLVING EXERCISES (PPE)

# 5: WORK DONE BY A CONSTANT FORCE
Copy and fill-out the header of the PPE for each page of your solution. Present neatly the
organized solutions to the following answered problems. Box the final answers. Copy and
sign the Thomasian Honor Code in the last page of your solution.

2. An 8.5-kg block is pushed along a horizontal rough surface by a 40-N force inclined at
20° with the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the surface and block is
0.35. If the block has an initial velocity of 3.6 m/s and the force does 200 J of work on
the block, find:
(a) The total distance moved by the block. (Ans: 5.32 m)
(b) The final velocity of the block. (Ans: 5.43 m/s)
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