Home

The work done by a constant force of magnitude F on a point that moves a displacement (not distance) s in the direction of the force is the product

W = F s {\displaystyle W=Fs} .

For example, if a force of 10 newtons (F = 10 N) acts along a point that travels 2 meters (s = 2 m), then it does the work W = (10 N)(2 m) = 20 N m = 20 J. This is approximately the work done lifting a 1 kg weight from ground level to over a person's head against the force of gravity. Notice that the work is doubled either by lifting twice the weight the same distance or by lifting the same weight twice the distance.

 

Copyright © 2025 Work
Powered by Work