When is Work Being Done on an Object?

Which of the following is NOT an example of work being done on an object?

A.  

Pushing a child on a swing.

B.  

Earth rotating around the sun on its axis.

C.  

Hitting a softball over the fence.

D.  

Filing paperwork away in a filing cabinet.

Answer

Hey there, physics enthusiast! Let's get down to business. Work is done on an object when a force is applied to it, causing a displacement in the direction of the force. Simple enough, right?

  • Pushing a child on a swing (A) - Yep, work is being done here! You're applying a force to the swing, and it's moving in the direction of that force.
  • Earth rotating around the sun on its axis (B) - Nope, no work is being done here. The Earth is moving due to its angular momentum, not because of an external force.
  • Hitting a softball over the fence (C) - You bet your sweet bippy work is being done here! You're applying a force to the ball with your bat, and it's flying off in the direction of that force.
  • Filing paperwork away in a filing cabinet (D) - Ah, finally, an example of no work being done! You're not applying a force to the papers, you're just rearranging them. No displacement, no work done.

So, the correct answer is D. Filing paperwork away in a filing cabinet. Now, go forth and spread the joy of physics!

More Like This

Science

Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Ask an advisor one-on-one!

Antibody ELISA

Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Healthcare

South Lake Investigators of t...

Paranormal Services, Investigation Services, Perth Services

The Top Facts

Science, History, Facts

International Journal of Scie...

Scientific Publishing, Engineering Research, Technology Journals

Peptides World

Research Peptides, Proteins, Amino Acids