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Physics in Context - 1st Edition

Chapter 2: Work


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Choose a system and follow the links.

Mechanical

Fluid

Electrical

2.1 Work in Mechanical Systems

How Does a Block and Tackle Work?
http://www.howstuffworks.com/pulley.htm
This page describes how a block and tackle allows you to multiply force.

Radian Measure of Angles
http://math.usask.ca/emr/rmoa.html
This page provides a tutorial in calculating radians.

Introduction to Torque, Work, and Power
http://www.renthal.com/shop/support/tech-support/gearing-further
This page describes the relationships among torque, work, and power and their application to the gearing of motorcycles.

Racquet Research Home Page
http://www.racquetresearch.com/
When you go to this site, check out the article "Introduction to Racquet Science," particularly the section on torque, to find out about the physics involved with tennis racquet performance and tennis injuries.

Calibrating a Torque Wrench
http://www.wikihow.com/Calibrate-a-Torque-Wrench
Illustrated step-by-step instructions for calibrating a click-type torque wrench.

Radians
http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/radians.html
This page explains radian measure, needed to calculate work in rotating systems.

2.2 Work in Fluid Systems

How a Tire Pressure Gauge Works
http://www.howstuffworks.com/pressure-gauge.htm
This site describes how a tire pressure gauge works.

How Hydraulic Machines Work
http://www.howstuffworks.com/hydraulic.htm
This site explains the principles behind hydraulic machines from log splitters to heavy equipment.

Inside a Bottle Jack
http://www.hyjacks.net/animation.htm
This page includes an animated graphic that shows how a bottle jack works.

Lifting Salt Water
http://academy-physics.allinoneinternetsearch.com/2013/08/24/work-and-power-calculations-for-a-water-pump-physics-problem/
This page has a video demonstrates the work (and power) calculations for pumping salt water. (Hint: click the "full-screen" button.)

2.3 Work in Electrical Systems

Ampere's Biography
http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Ampere.html
Read about Andre Marie Ampere at this web site.

Electric Potential Difference
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circuits/u9l1c
This page discusses how work is done moving a charge in an electric field, including some practice questions

How Does an Electric Motor Work?
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/elemot.html#c1
Visit this site to find out how electric motors work.