Question

Which of the following define the work most accurately?
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1. Work is the product of displacement and component of force in the direction of displacement.
2. Work is the product of force and displacement.
3. Work is the product of force and component of displacement in the direction of force.
4. Work is the product of distance and force applied.

• A. 1 and 3
• B. 2 and 4
• C. 1, 2 and 3
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

1 and 3

Work is the product of displacement and component of force in the direction of displacement. For example, when pulling a cart by a rope at an angle, only a fraction of applied force (which is along the displacement) does work.
Alternatively, work is the product of force and component of displacement in the direction of force. For example, work is done on a flying stone by gravity. However, only vertical part of displacement is considered when finding the work done by gravity.
Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.