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The Physics Definition of "Work"
📖 The Physics Definition of "Work"
In everyday language, holding a heavy box is "hard work." But in physics, if the box doesn't MOVE, you've done ZERO work! Work requires both force AND movement in the direction of the force. Push a car 10 metres and you've done work. Hold a car stationary for an hour and — despite being exhausted — you've done no physics work at all. Work is the bridge between forces and energy: work done = energy transferred.
Key Facts About Work Done
Work done = Energy transferred
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🧠 Memory Aid
"Work = Force × Shift": The 's' in W = Fs stands for the shift (displacement) in the direction of the force. If there's no shift in the force direction, there's no work.
The "W.F.S." triangle: Draw a triangle with W at the top, F and s at the bottom corners. Cover the one you want: W = F × s; F = W ÷ s; s = W ÷ F.
Joule = Newton-metre: Remember "J = Nm" — 1 Joule is 1 Newton acting through 1 metre. This link between energy and force-times-distance is the whole point of work!
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 13
Which equation correctly represents work done?
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