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Calculating work done

We can calculate the work done by a force using the formula:

Or, in symbols:

Where:

  • is the work done, in joules,
  • is the force applied, in newtons,
  • is the distance moved in the direction of the force, in metres,

Examples

Section titled “Examples”

A force of 10 N moves an object 5 m in the direction of the force. How much work is done?

Section titled “A force of 10 N moves an object 5 m in the direction of the force. How much work is done?”

A force of 20 N moves an object 3 m in the direction of the force. How much work is done?

Section titled “A force of 20 N moves an object 3 m in the direction of the force. How much work is done?”

200 J of work is done to move an object 4 m in the direction of the force. What is the force applied?

Section titled “200 J of work is done to move an object 4 m in the direction of the force. What is the force applied?”

150 J of work is done to move an object 5 m in the direction of the force. What is the force applied?

Section titled “150 J of work is done to move an object 5 m in the direction of the force. What is the force applied?”

250 J of work is done using a force of 25 N. How far does the object move in the direction of the force?

Section titled “250 J of work is done using a force of 25 N. How far does the object move in the direction of the force?”

300 J of work is done using a force of 30 N. How far does the object move in the direction of the force?

Section titled “300 J of work is done using a force of 30 N. How far does the object move in the direction of the force?”