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Understanding Work in Physics: Definition & Formula

Work in physics is defined as the transfer of energy that occurs when a force causes an object to move. The amount of work done depends on both the force applied and the distance of displacement in the direction of the force. The formula for work takes into account the cosine of the angle between the force and displacement vectors, such that work is maximized when force is applied directly along the displacement path. Examples provided demonstrate calculating work done by horizontal and angled forces on objects being dragged or pulled over a distance on the floor or surface.

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Takehiro Hezekiah
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4 views1 page

Understanding Work in Physics: Definition & Formula

Work in physics is defined as the transfer of energy that occurs when a force causes an object to move. The amount of work done depends on both the force applied and the distance of displacement in the direction of the force. The formula for work takes into account the cosine of the angle between the force and displacement vectors, such that work is maximized when force is applied directly along the displacement path. Examples provided demonstrate calculating work done by horizontal and angled forces on objects being dragged or pulled over a distance on the floor or surface.

Uploaded by

Takehiro Hezekiah
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is work?

Work, in physics, measure of energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved over a
distance by an external force at least part of which is applied in the direction of the
displacement
what are the factors that determine that work is done?

The effect of the angle between force and displacement on work. When the angle
between the force and displacement = zero , The work done is maximum when the
direction of force is the same as the direction of displacement , such as a person pulling
an object through a certain distance .
what is the formula for work?

Work Formula. ... The work formula includes the cosine of the angle between the force
and distance for this reason. If the force and movement are in the same direction, than
the angle is equal to 0 radians (or 0°). The cosine of zero is: cos0 = 1. The units
of work are Joules (J), where 1 J = 1 N∙m = 1 kg∙m2/s2 .

What is force when is done?


Example 1
A box is dragged horizontally across a floor by a 100 N force acting parallel
to the floor.
Example 2
A box is dragged across a floor by a 100N force directed 60o above the
horizontal.

Example 3
A horizontal force F pulls a 10 kg carton across the floor at constant speed.
If the coefficient of sliding friction between the carton and the floor is 0.30
Examples: Pushing a car horizontally from rest
; shooting a bullet (the powder does the work);
walking up stairs;
sawing a log.

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