A force of 10 N, acting continuously, increases the kinetic energy of an object from 20.J to 60 J. Find the distance moved by the object.
Answer Details
To solve this problem, we can use the work-energy theorem, which states that the net work done on an object is equal to its change in kinetic energy. Mathematically, we can express this as:
Net work = Change in kinetic energy
In this problem, the force is acting continuously, which means that it is doing work on the object. The work done by a constant force can be calculated using the formula:
Work = Force x Distance x cos(theta)
where theta is the angle between the force vector and the displacement vector.
Since the force is in the same direction as the displacement (i.e., they are both acting to the right), we can simplify the formula to:
Work = Force x Distance
Substituting the given values into this formula, we get:
Work = 10 N x Distance
Now, we can use the work-energy theorem to find the distance moved by the object. We know that the net work done on the object is equal to its change in kinetic energy, which is:
Net work = 60 J - 20 J = 40 J
Setting this equal to the work formula above, we get:
10 N x Distance = 40 J
Solving for distance, we get:
Distance = 4 meters
Therefore, the distance moved by the object is 4 meters.