Understanding Work and Energy: The Case of Marvin's Wagon
Was any work done as the wagon moved down the hill?
OA. Yes, because gravity is a force and the wagon moved down a distance.
OB. No, because gravity is not a force that can do work.
OC. Yes, because Marvin applied a force to the wagon to pull it up the hill.
OD. No, because Marvin was not applying a force to the wagon.
Answer:
The correct answer is OA. Yes, because gravity is a force and the wagon moved down a distance.
Work is done as the wagon moves down the hill due to the force of gravity.
In physics, work is defined as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force. When Marvin lets go of the wagon, the force of gravity acts on it, pulling it down the hill. Since the wagon moves a distance as a result of this force, work is done.
It is important to note that work is only done if there is a displacement. If the wagon had not moved down the hill, no work would have been done.