Final answer:
To calculate pushing force, apply Newton's second law (F = m*a) and account for factors like friction and acceleration. For work done, multiply the force by the distance moved in the direction of the force, adjusting for any angles involved. Use the graphical head-to-tail method for combined forces in different directions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the pushing force, it is essential to understand Newton's second law of motion, which states that force is equal to mass times acceleration (F = m*a). For objects that are being pushed across a level surface, the force exerted can also be influenced by friction.
To calculate the net force, you subtract the force of friction from the applied force. The force of gravity (weight) of an object can be calculated using the formula F = m*g, where 'm' is the mass and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s2 on Earth. When pushing an object on an incline or accelerating it, the additional force required can be determined with F = m*a, where 'a' is the acceleration. When combining forces acting in different directions, such as in a rugby game, the graphical head-to-tail method can be used to find the resultant force.
Work done while pushing an object, like a lawn mower, is found by multiplying the force exerted by the distance moved in the direction of the force, taking into account the angle of the applied force. For example, pushing a book across a table with 2 N of force over a distance of 0.5 m requires 1 J of work. When calculating the work done on an incline, you take into account both the force applied parallel to the incline and the distance moved along the incline. Overall, the calculation of pushing force involves consideration of multiple variables including mass, friction, incline, and acceleration.