Home Back

Formula to Calculate Work Done

Work Done Equation:

\[ W = F \times d \times \cos(\theta) \]

N
m
degrees

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is the Work Done Equation?

The work done equation calculates the amount of energy transferred when a force moves an object over a distance. It's a fundamental concept in physics that quantifies energy transfer in mechanical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the work done equation:

\[ W = F \times d \times \cos(\theta) \]

Where:

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

3. Importance of Work Calculation

Details: Calculating work done is essential for understanding energy transfer in mechanical systems, designing machines, and analyzing physical processes in engineering and physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in Newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees. The angle should be between 0° (force in same direction as motion) and 180° (force opposite to motion).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does negative work mean?
A: Negative work occurs when the force component is opposite to the direction of motion (90° < θ ≤ 180°), meaning the force is resisting the motion.

Q2: What's the unit of work?
A: The SI unit is Joule (J), which equals 1 Newton-meter (N·m).

Q3: When is work zero?
A: Work is zero when θ = 90° (force perpendicular to motion) or when there's no displacement (d = 0).

Q4: How does this relate to energy?
A: Work done equals the change in kinetic energy (Work-Energy Theorem).

Q5: Can this be used for rotational work?
A: For rotational systems, work is calculated as torque × angular displacement, but the fundamental concept remains similar.

Work Done Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025