Question

A student has to work the following problem: A block is being pulled along at constant speed on a horizontal surface a distance d by a rope supplying a force F at an angle of elevation q. The surface has a frictional force acting during this motion. How much work was done by friction during this motion? The student calculates the value to be –Fd sinq. How does this value compare to the correct value?

a. It is the correct value.
b. It is too high.
c. It is too low.
d. The answer cannot be found until it is known whether q is greater than, less than, or equal to 45°.

Answer 1

D

The answer cannot be found until it is known whether q is greater than, less than, or equal to 45°.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since block moves with constant speed

So, frictional force

f = FCosq

Work done by friction

W = - fd

W = - fd Cos q

The answer may be greater or less than - fdSinq. It depends on the value of q which is less than, or equal to 45°.