Worked Example 1: A force of 50 N moves a box 4 m.
W = 50 × 4 = 200 J
Worked Example 2: A crane lifts a 200 kg load 15 m vertically.
First find the weight: W = mg = 200 × 10 = 2000 N
Then work done = F × s = 2000 × 15 = 30,000 J (30 kJ)
Quick Check: A person pushes a trolley with 80 N of force for 6 m. How much work is done?
W = F × s = 80 × 6 = 480 J. The energy transferred from the person to the trolley is 480 J.
This key facts covers The Work Done Equation within Work Done & Energy Transfer for GCSE Physics. Revise Work Done & Energy Transfer in Forces for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 4 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Work Done & Energy Transfer
Which equation correctly represents work done?
Explain what is meant by 'work done' in physics. Include the conditions required for work to be done.