You are in the supermarket, pushing a cart with a force of 88 Newtons in the horizontal direction. There is a constant force of kinetic friction operating on the cart of 12.0 Newtons.
Calculate the net work done on the cart, if the cart is displaced 4.6 metres in a straight line.
Well, well, well, Mr. Cart Pusher! Looks like you're in for a fun physics ride. Let's calculate the net work done on your cart, shall we?
Net work is simply the product of the net force exerted on an object and the displacement it undergoes. So, let's break this down.
The net force acting on the cart is the difference between the applied force (88 N) and the force of kinetic friction (12 N).
Net Force = Applied Force - Force of Friction
Net Force = 88 N - 12 N
Net Force = 76 N
Now, to calculate the net work, we take the net force and multiply it by the displacement. So, let's go!
Net Work = Net Force × Displacement
Net Work = 76 N × 4.6 m
Net Work = 349.6 Joules
Boom! There you have it, 349.6 Joules of net work done on your cart. Now go on, show off your physics muscles at the checkout line!