Question

Explain the different conditions for work done such as the minimum, maximum and zero work done.

Accepted Answer

When applied force is able to generate some displacement, work is considered to be completed. The amount of work done is determined by the applied force, the body's displacement, and the direction of the applied force with respect to displacement.

$W = F \times d \times \cos (θ) .$

The values of work done will be dependent on the angle between force and displacement. The condition for maximum work done is explained below:

When a force is applied in the same direction as the force, the full force causes displacement, and the work done in this situation is the most. The reason for this is that the angle formed by the applied force and the displacement of the body is zero.

$W = F \times d \times \cos (0) = F \times d \times 1 = (F \times d) J .$

The condition for zero work done is explained below:

The applied force does not create any displacement when it is perpendicular to the body's displacement, hence the work done by the applied force is zero. Or if the force applied is zero, then the work done would be zero. Similarly, if the body doesn't move, then the work done would be zero.

$W = F \times d \times \cos (90) = F \times d \times 0 = 0 J .$ This is the same condition for the minimum work done.

The condition for minimum work done is explained below:

Work done is minimum if the applied force is in one direction and the body displacement is in the opposite direction, because $\cos (180 °)$ equals to negative one.

$W = F \times d \times \cos (180) = F \times d \times - 1 = (- F \times d) J .$

Explain the different conditions for work done such as the minimum, maximum and zero work done.

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