Which of the following can increase the work done by a force on an object? 

The Correct answer is Increasing the displacement.

Key Points

• The work done by a force on an object is calculated using the formula: Work = Force × Displacement × cos(θ), where θ is the angle between the force and displacement vectors.
• Increasing the displacement directly increases the work done if the force and displacement are in the same direction (θ = 0 degrees).
• The work done depends on the magnitude of the displacement, as a larger displacement under the same force results in higher work.
• If the displacement increases while the force remains constant, the object moves farther, contributing to more work being done.
• In physics, work is a measure of the energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved over a distance by an external force.
• Thus, increasing the displacement is a practical way to enhance the work done, provided the force remains constant and is applied in the same direction.
• This concept is widely applied in real-life scenarios, such as in machinery, where increasing the range of motion can yield higher energy output.

 Additional Information

• Reducing the mass
  • Reducing the mass does not directly affect the work done, as work depends on force and displacement, not the mass of the object.
  • However, a lighter object requires less force to move, which can indirectly influence how much work is done under varying conditions.
• Reducing the displacement
  • Reducing the displacement decreases the work done, as work is proportional to the magnitude of displacement.
  • This option is incorrect because it contradicts the principle of maximizing work by increasing displacement.
• Reducing the force
  • Reducing the force also decreases the work done, as work is directly proportional to the applied force.
  • This option is incorrect because lowering the force reduces the energy transfer to the object, resulting in less work being done.