When Tom and Joe ran 100 m to get the kite to fly, what component were they applying?

When Tom and Joe ran 100 m to get the kite to fly, they were applying work. In physics, work is defined as the product of the force exerted on an object and the distance over which that force is applied in the direction of the force.

In this scenario, when Tom and Joe applied force to run and move the kite into the air, they were exerting energy over the distance they ran. The action of running helps lift and maneuver the kite, essentially performing work on the system by using their physical effort to achieve movement and elevation of the kite.

Other concepts such as velocity, force, and torque are relevant in physical contexts but do not directly reflect the scenario of Tom and Joe getting the kite to fly as work does. Force refers to the push or pull they exerted, while velocity describes their speed. Torque relates to rotational movement, which isn’t applicable in the direct action of running to raise a kite. Therefore, the application of work accurately captures the essence of their physical activity in this context.