Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321993721
ISBN 13: 978-0-32199-372-4

Chapter 6 - For Thought and Discussion - Page 105: 4

Answer

The answer is below.

Work Step by Step

When you pick up a suitcase and then lower it, the negative work associated with lifting the bag cancels out the positive work of lowering it in the direction of the gravitational field. However, when you drop the bag, you do -mgh Joules of work on it, for the process of it dropping to the ground does not involve you doing any work.
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