A gardener moves a wheelbarrow in a straight line from the tool shed to the garden

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work and Energy · Work and Energy

Problem

A gardener moves a wheelbarrow in a straight line from the tool shed to the garden. The motion can be modeled as two consecutive displacements along the same straight path: • Segment 1:

6.0\,\text{m}

forward while the gardener pushes with a constant

90\,\text{N}

force directed

15^{\circ}

above the horizontal. • Segment 2: an additional

4.0\,\text{m}

forward while the gardener, feeling tired, lowers the handles and pushes with the same

90\,\text{N}

magnitude but at

5^{\circ}

below the horizontal. Assume friction and the weight of the wheelbarrow do not change the center-of-mass motion during these segments. (a) For each segment, calculate the work done on the wheelbarrow by the gardener’s push, including correct signs and units. (b) Determine the total work done over the

10.0\,\text{m}

trip. (c) Suppose the gardener wants to achieve the same total work as in part (b) but can only manage a horizontal push (angle

0^{\circ}

). Over what distance would the gardener need to exert the

90\,\text{N}

force? Show your reasoning.

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