Work Calculator

Calculate work done by force, from velocity change, and power relationships

Physics Work Calculator

N
m
°
s

Calculation Results

0
Work Done (J)
Zero Work
Work Classification
0
Force (N)
0
Power (W)
0
Acceleration (m/s²)
0
Distance (m)

Formula Used: W = F × d × cos(θ)

Example Calculations

Lifting an Object

Force: 50 N (upward)

Displacement: 2 m (upward)

Angle: 0° (force and displacement in same direction)

Work: W = 50 × 2 × cos(0°) = 100 J

Kinetic Energy Change

1. Mass: 10 kg, v₀ = 0 m/s, v₁ = 5 m/s

2. W = ½ × 10 × (5² - 0²) = ½ × 10 × 25 = 125 J

3. This work increases the object's kinetic energy

Work Formulas

Basic Work
W = F × d × cos(θ)
From Force
F = m × a
Kinetic Energy
W = ½m(v₁² - v₀²)
Power
P = W / t

Common Angles

0° (same direction)cos(0°) = 1
30°cos(30°) = 0.866
45°cos(45°) = 0.707
60°cos(60°) = 0.5
90° (perpendicular)cos(90°) = 0
180° (opposite)cos(180°) = -1

Work Physics Facts

Work is energy transfer to or from an object

Work is measured in Joules (J) in SI units

No work is done if force is perpendicular to motion

Negative work removes energy from an object

Understanding Work in Physics

What is Work?

In physics, work is done when a force causes displacement of an object. Work is the transfer of energy to or from an object via the application of force along a displacement. It's measured in Joules (J) in the SI system.

Basic Work Formula

  • W = F × d × cos(θ) - Basic work equation
  • W: Work done (Joules)
  • F: Applied force (Newtons)
  • d: Displacement (meters)
  • θ: Angle between force and displacement

Work from Energy Changes

Work-Energy Theorem: W = ΔKE = ½m(v₁² - v₀²)

From Force: F = ma, so W = mad

Power Relationship: P = W/t

Types of Work

  • Positive Work: Force and displacement in same direction
  • Negative Work: Force opposes displacement (like friction)
  • Zero Work: Force perpendicular to displacement

Work and Energy

  • Energy Transfer: Work is energy transferred to/from object
  • Kinetic Energy: Work changes object's motion energy
  • Potential Energy: Work can store energy in position
  • Conservation: Total energy is conserved in closed systems

Real-World Examples

  • Lifting: Positive work against gravity
  • Braking: Negative work by friction
  • Pushing Wall: Zero work (no displacement)
  • Accelerating: Work increases kinetic energy