A gardener pushes a loaded wheelbarrow along a straight horizontal path.
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A gardener pushes a loaded wheelbarrow along a straight horizontal path.
(i) The gardener applies a constant force of 80N on the handle making an angle of 30∘ with the horizontal while the wheelbarrow moves 15m. Calculate the work done by the gardener's force.
(ii) Keeping the magnitude of the force the same, the gardener now holds the handle so that the force makes an angle of 60∘ with the horizontal and again moves the wheelbarrow 15m. Calculate the work done in this case.
(iii) Which of the two positions of the handle is more effective for moving the wheelbarrow along the horizontal path? Give a reason based on your calculations.