Pushing the box of potatoes.
After unsuccessfully attempting to the lift the box, you decide to simply push it across the flat ground. After an initial hefty push to get it going, you are able to push it at a constant speed across the ground. You estimate that the horizontal force you are applying to the box of potatoes is only about 30 pounds (133 Newtons). You push the box of potatoes for 80 meters. How much work have you done to the 50-pound box of potatoes?
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1 solution
Work is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the distance through which it was applied. Since the ground is level and the force is horizontal, the solution is found simply by multiplying the force applied horizontally by the distance traveled horizontally.