How much work is needed to lower a 120-pound weight from a height of 3 feet to the ground, without dropping it?

The work done in lowering an object can be calculated using the formula for work, which is the product of the force applied and the distance over which that force is applied. In this case, the force required to lower the weight is equal to its weight, which is 120 pounds.

The distance over which the work is done is 3 feet, as the weight is lowered from a height of 3 feet to the ground.

To find the total work done, you multiply the weight by the distance:

Work = Weight × Distance

Work = 120 pounds × 3 feet = 360 foot-pounds.

Thus, the correct answer is 360 foot-pounds, as this is the amount of work required to lower the weight gradually to the ground without dropping it. The concept here is based on the straightforward principles of physics involving force and distance to determine work.