Q6-1Q In what ways is the word 鈥渨ork... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 6: Q6-1Q (page 138)

In what ways is the word 鈥渨ork鈥� as used in everyday language the same as it is defined in physics? In what ways is it different? Give examples of both.

Short Answer

Expert verified

In physics, work can be defined as the measure of energy transfer when a body is moved from one place to another by some displacement.

In everyday life, work can be defined as a loss of energy while performing a muscular task. Also, if we listen to music in a sedentary position, it accounts for work in everyday life. However, since displacement is zero in a sedentary position, the work will be zero in physics.

Step by step solution

Meaning of work done

Work done is defined as the loss of energy due to the force applied on an object to displace it through some distance. The expression for work done is given by:

\(W = Fd\)

Here, \(F\) is the applied force on the object and \(d\) is the displacement of the object.

Condition in which the word “work” is the same as it is defined in physics

The word "work" practiced in everyday language is the same as its definition in physics. Work is described as any physical activity that is to be implemented in our day-to-day life.

A person gets tired by doing some work, which means he/she is losing some amount of energy. Also, in physics, work is defined as a loss of energy when a body is displaced from one place to another place.

Condition in which the word “work” is different from how it is defined in physics

The definition of 鈥渨ork鈥� in physics is sometimes not the same as in daily life or everyday language.

For example, when we are listening to music and sitting in a fixed place, it suggests that we are doing some work in everyday language. However, physically, we are not performing any task or work, and there is no displacement as well.

In this example, still, there is the work with zero displacements which is not in agreement with the physics definition of work.