Work Formula:
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Definition: This equation calculates the work done when a force moves an object over a distance at an angle.
Purpose: It helps physicists, engineers, and students understand energy transfer in mechanical systems.
The equation uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: Work is only done by the component of force in the direction of movement. The cosine term accounts for the angular relationship.
Details: Calculating work helps determine energy requirements, efficiency of machines, and understanding physical systems.
Tips: Enter the force magnitude, displacement distance, and angle between them. Angle of 0° means force and displacement are parallel (maximum work).
Q1: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: When force is perpendicular to displacement (90°), cos(90°) = 0, so no work is done.
Q2: What are typical units for each variable?
A: Standard SI units are Newtons (N) for force, meters (m) for distance, and Joules (J) for work.
Q3: Can work be negative?
A: Yes, when 90° < θ ≤ 180°, cos(θ) is negative, indicating force opposes motion.
Q4: How is this different from power?
A: Work measures energy transfer, while power measures the rate of work done (work/time).
Q5: What's a practical example?
A: Pushing a box 10m with 50N force at 30° angle: W = 50 × 10 × cos(30°) ≈ 433 J.