1M10.16 - Lift or Carry a Block

Lift a block off a table and discuss that work is only done when you are lifting the block and not when you are carrying it around at the same horizontal height.
Code Number:
1M10.16
Demo Title:
Lift or Carry a Block
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Work
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
A large block or book.
Procedure:

Lift a block off a table and discuss that work is only done when you are lifting the block and not when you are carrying it around at the same horizontal height.

References:
  • Carl E. Mungan, "Negative Work Done by a Person", TPT, Vol. 53, # 4, April 2015, p. 224.
  • Atakan Çoban et al., "Energy Conservation Analysis Using Arduino", TPT, Vol. 61, #4, Apr. 2023, p. 295.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, David Maiullo, "Work is Going My Way", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 78.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.