Question

For what value of $\theta$ is work done

(a) maximum,

(b) zero?

Answer 1

1. Work done is given by the product of the force applied and displacement. $W=Fs\cos \theta$ where F = force applied, s = Displacement, and $\theta$ = Angle between force and displacement vectors.
2. Work done would be a maximum while $\cos \theta =1$ and this means that the $\theta$ value must be $0°$
3. Work done would be zero while $\cos \theta =0$ and this means that the $\theta$ value must be $90°$

Hence, the work done would be maximum while the $\theta$ value is $0°$ and zero while the $\theta$value is $90°$.