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Work

Reference from the original Physics I textbook.

Work

Work is energy transferred by a force acting through a displacement. In general W = ∫F⃗ · dr⃗; for a constant force, W = F⃗ · Δr⃗. Work may be positive, negative, or zero.

Related Glossary Terms

Elementary Definition of Standard Definite Integral, Energy, Force, Heat Loss Equation, Non-Conservative Forceⓘ, Powerⓘ, Power Equation, Work Equation

Index

Chapter 2 - FFR - Work

Chapter 4 - FFR - Kinetic Energy

Chapter 4 - FFR - Kinetic Energy

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Energy

Chapter 5 - FFR - Power

Chapter 5 - FFR - Power

Reviewed physics notes (1)

These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.

  • Work is not simply useful energy or the energy a force exerts. — Reference 1

About this edition and its source ↗

Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers

These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.

  • Nonconservative force

    A nonconservative force can do work that depends on the path followed. Its effects cannot be described by a single configuration-dependent potential energy for that interaction alone. For example, sliding friction transfers more mechanical energy into thermal energy along a longer sliding path under the same conditions.

    Read more: Conservative and nonconservative forces →

  • Power

    Power is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. It is measured in watts, with one watt equal to one joule per second. For example, two motors can lift the same load through the same height but have different average powers if they take different times.

    Read more: Power →

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