Work and Power

In physics, work is defined two ways:

1. Work is done on an object when a force
acting parallel (or some component of
the force acting parallel) causes an
object to move. The distance the object
moves must be parallel to the force or
some component of the force.
W = Fll ∆ d units: N•m or joule (J)
We describe the work being done on one object by
another.
2. Work is also defined as a transfer or
transformation of energy. When energy is
transferred from one object to another, work is
done.
W=∆ E …..But what is
energy? More
units: N•m or joule (J)
on that later!
• Work done… a weightlifter lifts a barbell

Force and distance are parallel!

Fg * ∆ h = Work

• No work done… a weightlifter stands with a

barbell overhead

Force and distance are not

parallel! There is a force but the
barbells do not move.
Power is the rate at which work is done.

P= W/∆ t
units: J/sec, watt (W)

So what is
horsepower?

1 Hp =746 watts
“The term horsepower was invented by the engineer
James Watt. Watt lived from 1736 to 1819 and is most
famous for his work on improving the performance of
steam engines. The story goes that Watt was working
with ponies lifting coal at a coal mine, and he wanted a
way to talk about the power available from one of these
animals. He found that, on average, a mine pony could
do 22,000 foot-pounds of work in a minute. He then
increased that number by 50 percent and pegged the
measurement of horsepower at 33,000 foot-pounds of
work in one minute. It is that arbitrary unit of measure
that has made its way down through the centuries.”

http://www.howstuffworks.com/horsepower1.htm
 Work Sample Problem
I apply a 40.0 N force 35° below the horizontal to
the 13 kg overhead projector cart. The cart moves a
distance of 5.0 meters at a constant velocity. The
wheels are locked and the cart slides across the
floor, µ = 0.217.
• How much work do I do on the cart?
• How much work does friction do on the cart?
• If the cart is moved in a time of 24 seconds, how
much power do I generate?
 Horsepower Lab
• Today in lab, you will determine your
horsepower during various activities.
– The Stairmaster
– Weightlifter
– Chairmaster
– Drop and give me 20!
• How will you calculate the work done during
each activity?

W = Fll∆ d
What force has to be exerted in each
of these activities to move the object?