Answer to Question #197711 in Physics for Joel Katu

Question

A loaded grocery cart is rolling across a parking lot. You apply a constant force F=(30N)i - (40N)j to the cart as it undergoes a displacement s=(-9.0m)i - (3.0m)j. How much work does the force you apply do on the grocery cart?

Answer 1

By the definition of the work done, we have:

$$W=Fs,$$ $$W=[(30N)i-(40N)j]\cdot[(-9.0m)i-(3.0m)j],$$ $$W=30\ N\cdot(-9)\ m+40\ N\cdot3\ m=-150\ J.$$