1. What is Work in Physics?

Work in physics is defined as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force. It represents the energy transferred when a force acts on an object and causes it to move.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the work formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The cosine term accounts for the direction of the force relative to the direction of motion. Maximum work occurs when force and displacement are parallel (θ = 0°).

3. Importance of Work Calculation

Details: Calculating work is fundamental in physics and engineering for understanding energy transfer, mechanical systems efficiency, and solving problems in mechanics and thermodynamics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in Newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees. All values must be valid (force > 0, distance > 0, angle between 0-180 degrees).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: When is work zero?
A: Work is zero when either no force is applied, no displacement occurs, or the force is perpendicular to the displacement (θ = 90°).

Q3: What is the difference between work and energy?
A: Work is the process of transferring energy, while energy is the capacity to do work. They share the same units.

Q4: Can work be negative?
A: Yes, work is negative when the force component opposes the displacement (90° < θ ≤ 180°), indicating energy is being removed from the system.

Q5: How does angle affect work?
A: Work is maximum at 0° (cos0°=1), zero at 90° (cos90°=0), and negative between 90°-180° (cosine negative).