⚡ WORK, ENERGY & POWER
PAGE 1 OF 5, WHAT IS WORK?
WORK DEFINED
FORCE × DISTANCE = WORK
In physics, "work" has a very precise meaning. Work is done when a force moves an object through a distance in the direction of the force. Push a box across a floor, you are doing work. Hold a heavy bag without moving, zero work, no matter how tired your arms feel! The formula is simple but powerful: Work (W) = Force (F) × Distance (d). The unit of work is the joule (J), named after physicist James Prescott Joule.
📐 THE FORMULA
W = F × d | Work = Force (N) × Distance (m) | Unit: Joule (J)
PUSH!
NO MOVEMENT = NO WORK
🧱 Pushing a fixed wall
→ No movement = 0 joules of work
💪 Effort ≠ physics work
→ No movement = 0 joules of work
💪 Effort ≠ physics work
ANGLE MATTERS
📐 Force must be in direction of motion
↗️ Angled force = less work done
✅ Parallel force = maximum work
↗️ Angled force = less work done
✅ Parallel force = maximum work