A student pushes against a large maple tree with a force of magnitude 250 N. How much work does the student do on the tree?
wouldn't it be zero. If not, what could be the right answer?
W=F*D
W=250*0
W=0
I agree with you since the tree didn't move.
Thank you for your good replies John.
Well, technically you're correct! The work done by the student on the tree would indeed be zero if the tree doesn't move. However, if the tree does move, even just a tiny bit, then some work would indeed be done. So the answer could be either zero or some very tiny amount depending on whether the tree budges or not.
Actually, the work done on the tree by the student is not zero in this case. According to the definition of work, work is calculated as the product of the force applied and the displacement in the direction of the force.
In this scenario, although the tree does not move, the student is still applying a force and exerting effort to push against the tree. However, since there is no displacement in the direction of the force (the tree does not move), the work done on the tree is indeed zero.
So, you are correct. The correct answer is 0 Joules (J) of work.