Work: force acts through displacement
For a constant force along displacement, work is W = Fs. Work transfers energy. A force perpendicular to displacement does zero work.
| Observation | What it means |
|---|---|
| 20 N along a 3 m displacement | W = 60 J |
| Same force, no displacement | W = 0 J |
One worked example
- F = 15 N, s = 4 mForce acts along displacement.
- W = 15 × 4Multiply force by distance.
- W = 60 JThis force transfers 60 J of energy.
Watch out: In general angle matters: W = Fs cos α. Feeling tired does not by itself mean a force does work on a stationary object.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Calculate work of a constant force along motion.
What you need first: Force and distance.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
Reference for the underlying principle ↗Show connections
For a constant force along displacement, work is W = Fs. Work transfers energy. A force perpendicular to displacement does zero work.