Work
Definition
Work is the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and it moves in the direction of the force. It is equal to the change in kinetic energy of the object.
Analogy
Imagine pushing a heavy box across a room. The amount of work you do depends on how much force you apply and how far you move the box. If you push harder or move it a greater distance, you will do more work.
Related terms
Energy: The ability to do work or cause change.
Force: A push or pull that can cause an object to accelerate or deform.
Kinetic Energy: The energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
"Work" appears in:
Subjects (3)
Study guides (3)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (7)
What is the correct way to mathematically describe work?
When a person lifts a 3kg bag from the floor to a height of 1m, how much work does gravity do on the bag?
An object of mass m, is accelerated from v0 to v. What is the work done in accelerating the object?
What is the work done by gravity on a 7kg block that slides down a 5.5m ramp (frictionless) inclined at 35 degrees?
Which of the following would decrease the amount of work required to push a box of mass m up a ramp with a coefficient of friction mu to a height h?
A constant force, F, is applied to a block sitting on a bench. In which of the following cases is no work done on the block by F?
Suppose an object experiences an initial torque of 15 N*m while lying down on a rough table. It stops spinning after making 1.5 revolutions. What is the work done by friction in bringing the object to rest?
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