Work Done Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes the work done when a force acts on an object causing displacement.
Purpose: It helps physics students and professionals calculate mechanical work in various applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: Work is only done when the force has a component in the direction of displacement.
Details: Understanding work helps in analyzing energy transfer in mechanical systems and designing efficient machines.
Tips: Enter the force magnitude, displacement distance, and angle between them. Angle of 0° means force and displacement are parallel.
Q1: What does negative work mean?
A: Negative work occurs when the force component opposes displacement (90° < θ ≤ 180°), meaning the force is removing energy from the system.
Q2: What happens at 90 degrees?
A: At 90°, cos(θ) = 0, so no work is done as the force is perpendicular to displacement.
Q3: What are typical force values?
A: Everyday forces range from fractions of Newtons (small pushes) to thousands of Newtons (machinery).
Q4: How does angle affect work?
A: Work is maximized at 0° (parallel) and decreases as angle increases, reaching zero at 90°.
Q5: What's the difference between work and power?
A: Work is energy transfer, while power is the rate of work done (work per unit time).