how do i calculate work in physics?

Answer 1

Force x Distance = Work

Answer 2

Work is defined as the scalar product of a force over some distance. This means that the amount of work is dependent on the direction you move with respect to the force applied. If your force and distance traveled are paralell, work is a maximum, if your force and distance traveled are perpendicular, work is zero.

Work can be defined as:

W = F*d*cos(theta) where theta is the angle between the direction of the force and the direction of the distance traveled.

Example 1: I push a box up a ramp at a costant velocity for three meters. The box has a kinetic frictional force of 50 N. How much work did I do on the box?

Answer 1: The direction of travel and force I applied (must be equal to the frictional force but opposite in direction) are paralell. So,

W = 50 N * 3 m *cos (0) = 50 N * 3 m * 1 = 150 Nm = 150 J

Example 2: How much work is done by the Earth to a satelite in orbit to keep it in orbit?

Answer 2: The direction the satellite is moving is perpendicular to the gravitational force of the Earth therefore work is equal to:

W = F * d * cos (90) = F * d * 0 = 0

I hope this helps out.

Answer 3

Work is a force multiplied over a distance.

But, work must be in the same direction of the force.

So, Work (W) is the Force (F) multiplied by the distance (D).

Work is can be measured in two ways:

The Customary System, with feet for distance, pounds for force, and the foot-pound for the work.

The standard units, Joules (J), meters (M), and Newtons (N), with Joules for work (an object with a mass of a kilogram moves at a rate of a meter a second, every second, that is moved a meter; that is, a Newton a meter is a joule.), meters for distance, and Newtons for force.

Answer 4

You must do some work.

Work is the product of force x distance through which the force moves.

Answer 5

Work = force*distance

Answer 6

work= (force)(distance)