1. What is Work in Physics?

Work in physics is defined as the energy transferred to or from an object via the application of force along a displacement. In simpler terms, work is done when a force moves an object over a distance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the work equation:

Where:

• \( W \) — Work done (Joules)
• \( F \) — Force applied (Newtons)
• \( d \) — Displacement (meters)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force and displacement vectors (degrees)

Explanation: The equation accounts for both the magnitude of force and displacement, as well as the direction of the force relative to the displacement.

3. Importance of Work Calculation

Details: Calculating work is fundamental in physics as it helps determine energy transfer in mechanical systems. It's crucial for understanding simple machines, energy conservation, and many engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in Newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees (0° when force and displacement are in the same direction). All values must be valid (force > 0, distance > 0, angle between 0-180°).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of work?
A: The SI unit of work is the Joule (J), which equals 1 Newton-meter (N·m).

Q2: When is work considered zero?
A: Work is zero when: 1) No displacement occurs, 2) Force is perpendicular to displacement (θ=90°), or 3) The net force is zero.

Q3: What's the difference between work and power?
A: Work measures energy transfer, while power measures the rate of work done (work per unit time).

Q4: Can work be negative?
A: Yes, negative work occurs when the force component opposes the displacement (90° < θ ≤ 180°).

Q5: How does this relate to kinetic energy?
A: The work-energy theorem states that the net work done equals the change in kinetic energy of an object.