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Chapter 3: Problem 10

People and machines around us do work all the time. But is it possible for things like magnets and the Earth to do work? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Explain. Answer: Yes, both magnets and the Earth can do work. Magnets can do work by generating magnetic forces that attract or repel other magnetic objects, causing them to move. The Earth can do work by exerting gravitational forces on objects, causing them to move or displace, as in the case of an object falling from a height.

Step by step solution

01

1. Understanding work

Work is defined as the energy transferred by applying force on an object, causing it to move a certain distance. Work (W) can be mathematically represented as: W = F × d × cos(θ) where F is the applied force, d is the distance moved, and θ is the angle between the force and the direction of the displacement.
02

2. Magnets and work

Magnets can do work only when they apply a force on the object and cause it to move. In the case of a magnet, the force it generates is the magnetic force, which attracts or repels other magnetic objects. Magnetic force can cause objects to move, and therefore, a magnet can do work on the object.
03

3. Earth and work

Similar to magnets, the Earth can also do work when it applies a force on an object, causing it to move. The force generated by the Earth is called the gravitational force. This gravitational force attracts objects towards the Earth's core. For instance, when an object falls from a height, the Earth does work on the object as it applies gravitational force, causing the object to move or displace.
04

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible for things like magnets and the Earth to do work, as they generate forces (magnetic and gravitational) that can cause objects to move or displace.

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