Work (W) is calculated when you multiply the Force (F), which is any push or pull, and the distance (d) over which the force is applied. Therefore the equation for Work is W=Fd. We can also rearrange the form to find missing values.
Force: F=W/d Distance: d=W/F
Some Examples:
Example 1 Jake works at McDonalds, everyday he lifts a box of burgers with a force of 125N, 5m high. How much work is Jake doing?
We know that 125N is the force being applied on the box. And the distance is the 5m high. To solve for work we must use the formula W=Fd. W=Fd W=(125N)x(5m) W=625J It will take Jake 625J of work to move the box of burgers 5m high.
Example 2 Lauren's family is moving, to drag a box 25m on the floor, while she does 250J of work on the box. How much force is she applying to the box? We know that she puts 250J of work on the box, and drags it for 25m. To solve for distance we must use the formula F=W/d F=W/d F=(250J)/(25m) F=10N Lauren drags the box with a force of 10N.
Example 3 Alex does 150J of work on a suitcase he is dragging through his room, he applies a force of 50N. How far did he move the box? We know that he puts 150J of work on the suitcase, and applies a force of 50N. d=W/F d=(150J)/(50N) d=3m Alex drags the suitcase for 3m.
Once you feel comfortable with solving work and energy problems you can go to my Work and Energy Quiz. Work and Energy Practice Questions
Work (W) is calculated when you multiply the Force (F), which is any push or pull, and the distance (d) over which the force is applied.
Therefore the equation for Work is W=Fd.
We can also rearrange the form to find missing values.
Force: F=W/d
Distance: d=W/F
Some Examples:
Example 1
Jake works at McDonalds, everyday he lifts a box of burgers with a force of 125N, 5m high. How much work is Jake doing?
We know that 125N is the force being applied on the box. And the distance is the 5m high.
To solve for work we must use the formula W=Fd.
W=Fd
W=(125N)x(5m)
W=625J
It will take Jake 625J of work to move the box of burgers 5m high.
Example 2
Lauren's family is moving, to drag a box 25m on the floor, while she does 250J of work on the box. How much force is she applying to the box?
We know that she puts 250J of work on the box, and drags it for 25m.
To solve for distance we must use the formula F=W/d
F=W/d
F=(250J)/(25m)
F=10N
Lauren drags the box with a force of 10N.
Example 3
Alex does 150J of work on a suitcase he is dragging through his room, he applies a force of 50N. How far did he move the box?
We know that he puts 150J of work on the suitcase, and applies a force of 50N.
d=W/F
d=(150J)/(50N)
d=3m
Alex drags the suitcase for 3m.
Once you feel comfortable with solving work and energy problems you can go to my Work and Energy Quiz.
Work and Energy Practice Questions
Links to other Pages
Home Page, What is Work and Energy, Different Forms of Energy, Practice Quiz, Answer Key, Bibliography