GCSE Physics Tutorial - Calculating Work Done

Work is the transfer of energy that occurs when an external force acts on an object, causing it to move in the direction of the force. To calculate the work done, we use the formula:

Work (W) = Force (F) × Displacement (d) × cos(θ)

Where:

• W is the work done on the object (measured in joules, J).

• F is the force applied to the object (measured in newtons, N).

• d is the displacement of the object in the direction of the force (measured in meters, m).

• θ is the angle between the direction of the force and the direction of the displacement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate Work Done:

Step 1: Determine the Force Applied (F) Identify the force applied to the object in newtons (N). This could be the force of pushing, pulling, lifting, or any other force acting on the object.

Step 2: Measure the Displacement (d) Measure the displacement of the object in the direction of the applied force. This is the distance the object moves in meters (m).

Step 3: Find the Angle (θ) if Needed If the force is not applied in the same direction as the displacement, you may need to determine the angle (θ) between the force and displacement. The angle is measured in degrees.

Step 4: Calculate Work Done (W) Using the work formula, plug in the values of force (F), displacement (d), and angle (θ) if applicable. Then calculate the work done in joules (J).

Example: A person applies a force of 50 N to push a box for a distance of 8 meters on a rough surface. The angle between the applied force and the displacement is 30 degrees.

Work (W) = 50 N × 8 m × cos(30°) Work (W) = 50 N × 8 m × 0.866 (rounded to 3 decimal places) Work (W) ≈ 346.41 J

Calculating work done on an object involves understanding the force applied, the displacement of the object, and the angle between the force and displacement. By applying the work formula, we can determine the energy transferred during the process. Work calculations are fundamental in physics, providing insights into mechanical systems, motion, and energy conversions.

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