i need help with this question:
Atlas (the mythical god) is believed to hold the weight of the sky on his shoulders. IS Atlas performing any work (in terms of physics)?
Im assuming the answer is no...but im not 100% sure abt it...
THX..every1
2006-10-27 10:06:04 · 5 answers · asked by beautifuldisaster 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
No.
Work is a force applied through a distance. Atlas is assumedly keeping the sky stationary and therefore is not moving the sky through a distance and no work is done.
2006-10-27 10:13:55 · answer #1 · answered by Stuart T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
W= F*d*cos(theta)
where W=work, F=net force applied, and d=displacement of the object, and theta is the incline, if the object is on a ramp or incline
The sky is exerting a force weight of M*a (where a=gravity=9.8m/s sqrd). Atlas (assuming he is not moving) is exerting the same force, thus the sky does not move, thus having no displacement, thus having no work.
2006-10-27 17:16:35 · answer #2 · answered by rexmortis67 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if he shrugs, but try telling him that. I've always resented physicists telling me I've done no work when I hold something heavy in position against gravity, but what can you do? It's the definition of the concept.
2006-10-27 17:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atlas is doing no work because he is not moving.
He is not expending any joules of energy, he is just kind of standing there exerting force on it.
2006-10-27 17:17:00 · answer #4 · answered by Kaity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no because he is not moving.
work is force x distance.
in this case the distance is zero.
if he's carrying the sky ad it had weight then he would be doing work.
2006-10-27 17:14:06 · answer #5 · answered by BonesofaTeacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋