55,000J of work is done to move a rock 25m. How much force was applied?

1 Answer
May 27, 2014

First, recall the definition of work. The work done by a constant force is equal to the force multiplied by a displacement #s#:

#W = F⋅s#

If the work done was 55,000 Joules, and the displacement traversed was 25 meters, then all you need to do is substitute into the equation:

#55,000 J = 25 m⋅F#

Divide both sides by 25 meters to solve for #F#:

#(55,000J)/(25 m) = F#

Since the Joule is defined as Newtons multiplied by meters, the meters will cancel off, and our answer will be:

#F = 2,200 N#