What is Work? Definition, Meaning & Example
The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object over a distance in the direction of the force.
TL;DR: The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object over a distance in the direction of the force.
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Work: The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object over a distance in the direction of the force.
Explanation
Work is calculated as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force. If force and displacement are in the same direction, the work is positive. If they are in opposite directions, work is negative or zero if perpendicular. Work has units of Joules in the SI system. Carrying a book horizontally does not do work against gravity, but lifting it against gravity does. Understanding work is essential for analyzing energy transformations in machines and daily activities.
Example
Pushing a shopping cart 10 meters forward with 50 Newtons of force does 500 Joules of work. But carrying the same cart at a constant height requires force to support it but does no work because the force and displacement are perpendicular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is work defined with direction in mind?
Only the component of force in the direction of motion does work. Force perpendicular to motion does no work.
Is work the same as effort?
No, work is a scientific quantity defined as force times displacement, while effort is general effort we put in; you can exert effort without doing work in the physics sense.
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