Mechanics: Work, Energy and Power

Work, Energy and Power: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 5:

Sheila has just arrived at the airport and is dragging her suitcase to the luggage check-in desk. She pulls on the strap with a force of 190 N at an angle of 35° to the horizontal to displace it 45 m to the desk. Determine the work done by Sheila on the suitcase.

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., vo = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; vf = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Work, Energy and Power at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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