Which of the following can increase the work done by a force on an object?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option A: Increasing the displacement.. Work done on an object by a constant force is defined as the product of the magnitude of the force, the magnitude of the displacement, and the cosine of the angle between them. Since work is directly proportional to displacement, increasing the displacement will increase the total work done, provided the force is applied in the direction of motion.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
Work done on an object by a constant force is defined as the product of the magnitude of the force, the magnitude of the displacement, and the cosine of the angle between them. Since work is directly proportional to displacement, increasing the displacement will increase the total work done, provided the force is applied in the direction of motion.

Working Principle: According to the definition of mechanical work, $$W = F \cdot s \cdot \cos(	heta)$$, where $$W$$ is work, $$F$$ is the applied force, $$s$$ is the displacement, and $$	heta$$ is the angle between force and displacement vectors. As long as $$	heta$$ remains constant (less than $90^\circ$), increasing the magnitude of the displacement $$s$$ results in a proportional increase in the work performed by the force.

Key Formulas: $W = F s \cos(	heta)$ — Work done by a force where $F$ is magnitude, $s$ is displacement, and $	heta$ is the angle between them.; $1 	ext{ J} = 1 	ext{ N} \cdot 1 	ext{ m}$ — The standard SI unit definition of one Joule.

Key Points: Work is a scalar quantity.; Work is zero if the force is perpendicular to the displacement ($	heta = 90^\circ$).; Negative work occurs when force is applied in the opposite direction of displacement (e.g., friction).; Mass does not directly determine the work done, only the force required to accelerate that mass (via $F=ma$).

Applications: Construction work (lifting materials to heights).; Mechanical engineering (moving parts in machinery).

Additional Info: Increasing displacement is a primary way to increase total energy transfer in a system.. Reducing force, reducing displacement, or reducing mass (in a static sense) would not lead to an increase in work done.

Answer: A is correct — Increasing the displacement directly increases the work done by a constant force applied in the direction of motion according to the formula $$W = F s \cos(	heta)$$.

Exam Tip: Always remember that work is only done when the object moves; if displacement is zero, work is zero regardless of how much force is applied.

Examoogle · Answer

Option B: Reducing the displacement.

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Option C: Reducing the force.

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Option D: Reducing the mass.

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