1. What is Work Done?

Work done is the energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance. In physics, work is only done when the force causes displacement in the direction of the force component.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the work done equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The cosine of the angle accounts for the component of force that acts in the direction of displacement.

3. Importance of Angle in Work Calculation

Details: When force is applied at an angle, only the component parallel to the displacement does work. The angle determines how much of the force is effective in doing work.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in Newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees (0-360). All values must be valid (force > 0, distance > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does zero work mean?
A: When θ = 90°, cos(90°) = 0, meaning the force is perpendicular to displacement and no work is done.

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

Q3: What's the difference between positive and negative work?
A: Positive work means force and displacement are in the same general direction (θ < 90°). Negative work means they're in opposite directions (θ > 90°).

Q4: How does angle affect work done?
A: Maximum work occurs at 0° (force and displacement parallel). Work decreases as angle increases, reaching zero at 90°.

Q5: Can this be used for rotational work?
A: No, rotational work uses torque and angular displacement. This calculator is for linear displacement only.