A force F acts on a body and displaces it by a distance S in a direction at an angle θ with the direction of force.
A force F acts on a body and displaces it by a distance S in a direction at an angle θ with the direction of force.

(a) Write the expression for the work done by the force.

(b) What should be the angle between force and displacement so that the work done is

(i) zero,

(ii) maximum?

Solutions:

(a) W = F S cos θ

This expression gives the work done when force is at an angle to the direction of displacement.

(b) (i) The angle between force and displacement for zero work done should be 900 as cos 900 = 0 .

W = F S cos 900 = FS × 0

Therefore, W = 0

(ii) The angle between force and displacement  for maximum work done should be 00 as cos 00 = 1.

Then, W = FS cos 00 = FS × 0

W = FS