How to Calculate Work Done by Tension - Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to calculate work done by tension using the formula in this easy-to-follow guide.

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To calculate work done by tension: Use the formula Work = Tension × Distance × cos(θ), where Tension is the force applied, Distance is the displacement of the object, and θ is the angle between the direction of the tension force and the displacement. For example, if a rope applies 50N to move an object 10m horizontally, and the rope is parallel to the movement, then Work = 50N × 10m × cos(0) = 500 Joules.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the formula for calculating work done by tension? The formula for calculating work done by tension is Work = Tension × Distance × cos(θ), where Tension is the force applied, Distance is the displacement of the object, and θ is the angle between the direction of the tension force and the displacement.
  2. How do you find the work done if the tension is perpendicular to the direction of movement? When the tension is perpendicular to the direction of movement (θ = 90°), the work done is zero because cos(90°) = 0. Therefore, Work = Tension × Distance × cos(90°) = 0.
  3. Can you give an example of calculating work done by tension? Certainly! For instance, if a rope applies a tension of 50N to move an object 10m horizontally and the rope is parallel to the movement, then the work done is Work = 50N × 10m × cos(0) = 500 Joules.
  4. What units are used for measuring work done? Work is measured in Joules (J), which is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of one newton displaces an object by one meter in the direction of the force.