1. What is the Work Formula?

The work formula calculates the amount of work done when a force moves an object over a distance at an angle. It is a fundamental concept in physics that quantifies energy transfer.

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 formula accounts for the directional component of force. When force and displacement are in the same direction (θ = 0°), work is maximized. When perpendicular (θ = 90°), no work is done.

3. Importance of Work Calculation

Details: Calculating work is essential for understanding energy transfer in mechanical systems, designing machinery, and solving physics problems related to motion and forces.

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.

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: When the force is perpendicular to displacement, cos(90°) = 0, so no work is done despite the application of force.

Q3: Can work be negative?
A: Yes, when the angle between force and displacement is greater than 90° but less than 270°, cos(θ) becomes negative, indicating work is done against the force.

Q4: How is this different from energy?
A: Work is the process of transferring energy, while energy is the capacity to do work. They share the same units but represent different concepts.

Q5: When is maximum work achieved?
A: Maximum work occurs when the force and displacement are in the same direction (θ = 0°), where cos(0°) = 1.