Learn: Work Done and Energy Transfer by Forces

Welcome!Great to see you back! You've already learned about energy stores, transfers, and conservation. Now, let's explore how forces can transfer energy and the concept of work done.

What is Work Done?Work Done refers to energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance. It's calculated using the formula: Work Done = Force × Distance. This is important because it helps us understand how forces cause energy changes in real-world situations.

How is Work Done Calculated?The formula for work done is: Work Done = Force × Distance. Force is measured in newtons (N), distance in metres (m), and work done in joules (J). If the force and motion are in the same direction, use the full value of the distance.

Why Does Work Done Matter?Work done is crucial because it explains how energy is transferred in everyday actions like lifting a bag or pushing a trolley. It helps us measure the impact of forces and understand energy usage in systems.

Example: Lifting a BoxIf you lift a box weighing 20 N to a height of 2 m, the work done can be calculated as: Work Done = Force × Distance = 20 × 2 = 40 J. This shows the energy you transferred to lift the box.

Factors Affecting Work DoneThe amount of work done depends on the size of the force and the distance moved. If either increases, the work done increases proportionally.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about work done, how to calculate it, and factors that affect it. Now let's test your understanding with a few review questions.