Note: Enter your answer and show all the steps that you use to solve this problem in the space provided. A lawn mower is pushed a distance of 100 ft. along a horizontal path by a constant force of 60 lbs. The handle of the lawn mower is held at a downward angle of 45° toward the horizontal. Explain what each value listed in this situation represents in relation to the formula W=F×PQ−→−=||F||||PQ−→−||cosθ . Then find the work done pushing the lawn mower. (3 points)
In the formula W = F * ||PQ→|| * cosθ,
- W represents the work done pushing the lawn mower
- F represents the constant force of 60 lbs
- ||PQ→|| represents the displacement, which is the distance pushed of 100 ft
- θ represents the angle between the force and the displacement, which is 45°
Plugging in the values:
W = 60 lbs * 100 ft * cos(45°)
W = 6000 lbs*ft * cos(45°)
W = 6000 lbs*ft * 0.7071
W = 4242 lbs*ft
Therefore, the work done pushing the lawn mower is 4242 lbs*ft.