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practice testMultiple Choice

Practice Test

Question 1 • Physics

Why is it important to know the direction of the force applied to a moving object and the direction in which the object is moving when determining the work done on the object?

Answer
A
When there is an angle between the two directions, the cosine of the angle must be considered.
B
A force at a right angle to the motion requires the use of the sine of the angle.
C
Only the component of the force perpendicular to the motion is used to calculate the work.
D
If the force acts in the same direction as the motion, then no work is done.

Explanation

Work depends on the component of the force in the direction of the object's displacement: W = Fd cos θ, where θ is the angle between the force and the motion. Therefore, when the directions are at an angle, you must account for that angle using cosine. A perpendicular force does no work, while a force in the same direction as motion does positive work, so B, C, and D are incorrect.

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