1. What is Work in Physics?

In physics, work is the energy transferred to or from an object via the application of force along a displacement. The SI unit of work is the joule (J), same as for energy.

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: Work is only done when the force has a component in the direction of displacement. When force and displacement are perpendicular (θ=90°), no work is done.

3. Importance of Work Calculation

Details: Calculating work is fundamental in mechanics, helping determine energy transfer in systems, mechanical advantage, and efficiency of machines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees (0° means force and displacement are parallel). All values must be valid (force > 0, distance > 0, angle between 0-180°).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between work and energy?
A: Work is the process of transferring energy, while energy is the capacity to do work. Both share the same unit (joules).

Q2: Can work be negative?
A: Yes, when the force component opposes displacement (90° < θ ≤ 180°), work is negative, meaning energy is removed from the object.

Q3: What if the angle is 90 degrees?
A: At 90°, cos(90°)=0, so no work is done despite force and displacement existing (e.g., carrying a weight horizontally).

Q4: How does this relate to power?
A: Power is the rate of doing work (P = W/t). Work tells you how much energy was transferred; power tells you how fast.

Q5: What are practical examples of work calculations?
A: Lifting objects (against gravity), pushing carts, stretching springs - any situation where force causes displacement.