Work

The amount of work done is the product of the applied force and the distance

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When a body is moved as a result of a force being applied to it, work is done.

The amount of work is the product of the applied force and the distance:

W = F s (1)

where

W = work done (J)

F = force acting on the object (N)

s = distance object moved in the direction of the force (m)

The unit of work is joule, J, which is defined as the amount of work done when a force of 1 Newton acts for distance of 1 m in the direction of the force.

1 J = 1 Nm

This is the same unit as energy.

The work done by a constant force and a spring force can be visualized as the area under the graph in distance force diagrams like

work - force and distance diagram constant and spring force

Example - Constant Force

A constant force of 20 N is acting a distance of 30 m. The work done can be calculated as

W = 20 (N) 30 (m)

    = 60 (J, Nm)

Example - Spring Force

A spring is extended 40 mm by a force of 20 N. The work done can be calculated as

W = 1/2 20 (N) 0.040 (m)

    = 0.4 (J, Nm)

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Related Topics

  • Thermodynamics The effects of work, heat and energy on a system
  • Mechanics Kinematics, forces, vectors, motion, momentum, energy and the dynamics of objects

Related Documents

  • 1st Law of Thermodynamics The First Law of Thermodynamics simply states that energy can be neither created nor destroyed (conservation of energy). Thus power generation processes and energy sources actually involve conversion of energy from one form to another, rather than creation of energy from nothing
  • Heat, Work and Energy A brief tutorial to heat, work and energy. Including essentials as specific heat and specific heat capacity
  • Specific Work of Turbo Machines - Pumps, Compressors and Fans Specific work of pumps, fans, compressors and turbines
  • Potential Energy Elevation and potential energy
  • Energy Energy is the capacity to do work
  • Power Power is a measure of the rate at which work is done or energy converted

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