Final answer:
The work done by the rope on the hanging mail bag is zero joules because there is no displacement in the direction of the force exerted by the rope.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering work done by a rope on the mail bag, it's important to recognize that work is defined as the force applied to an object times the distance that object moves in the direction of the force. Since the rope is holding the bag in place and not moving it vertically or horizontally, the rope does no work on the bag because the displacement in the direction of the force is zero. This is a fundamental concept in physics, specifically within the topic of work and energy.
Therefore, for the mail bag being moved to a certain position by the rope, if the rope only functions to keep the bag hanging without any vertical or horizontal movement, the work done by the rope is zero joules.