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2007-07-16 01:51:58 · 7 answers · asked by musicalgoddess 1 in Science & Mathematics Other - Science

7 answers

In science (physics), the definition of work is the amount of force exerted over a distance as represented by the following formula:

W = F x D

where W is work, F is force and D the distance traveled.

This classic definition is based on a horse pulling a carriage
and putting in x amount of force through a distance D traveled. Thus, the evolution of the term "horseower."

We see that the theory behind this definition is that every type of work needs certain input (the force) by the "doer" or "worker", exerted over a length of time or distance. In the classic example of a horse, it is the distance traveled while carrrying a certain load or weight.

In reality, however, distance - that is lateral measurement of space traveled - need not be always present when work is done. This is particularly true for work of non-physical nature.
Let's take for example that of reviewing for an examnation in school. The student does exert some effort - mental calisthenics or thinking in plain language, but no distance is involved. The closest concept of distance applied in "thinking" will be time - how long one has done the thinking, in seconds, minutes, or hours.

Based on our theory above, therefore, work in layman's definition can be defined as the amount of energy or force that is exerted by a person over a period of time (for non-physical job) or over a distance (for physical job) to finish a certain endeavor or project.

2007-07-16 07:56:57 · answer #1 · answered by the lion and the bee 3 · 0 2

The scientific definition of work is to move a known force a known distance (as in lifting a 100 pound weight one foot requires 100 foot-pounds of work, even if you struggle all day). The layman's definition of work likely applies to any effort (physical or mental) that is performed during a period of time. I worked on my book 5 hours, etc.

2007-07-16 02:38:50 · answer #2 · answered by Kes 7 · 1 0

Work can only be identified as moving an object from point A to point B, using your own force. An example is this: If student 1 and student 2, each cut down a tree, but student 1 uses a hand saw, while student 2 uses a hammer, who will do more work? Actually, they would both be doing the same work. Only they have to use different amounts of force to accomplish their task.

2007-07-16 02:03:04 · answer #3 · answered by Blood Angel 2 · 0 0

Sit around all week, work only when the Boss man walks by, and collect your paycheck at the end of the week. And be sure to
B I T C H about everything all the time!

2007-07-16 02:42:32 · answer #4 · answered by Thom Thumb 6 · 0 0

What the heck is a "Layman."

Is that similar to the "Masses."

2007-07-16 17:07:12 · answer #5 · answered by gatorbait 7 · 0 0

A place we have to go to to make the money we need to live the lifestyle and do the things we really want to.

2007-07-16 01:58:37 · answer #6 · answered by Christanti 3 · 0 0

The curse of the drinking class

2007-07-16 04:53:29 · answer #7 · answered by michaelduggan1940 2 · 0 0

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