Work and Force
Elementary School
Definition
The relationship in which work is done when a force moves an object through a distance. Work is calculated as force multiplied by the distance moved in the direction of the force, and it transfers energy to the object.
Worked examples
\(W = F \times d = 50\,\)N\( \times 10\,\)m\( = 500\,\)J\(\)
A 50-newton force pushing a box 10 meters does 500 joules of work.
Lifting a 2 kg book 1.5 m vertically: \(W = (2 \times 9.8)\,\)N\( \times 1.5\,\)m\( = 29.4\,\)J\(\)
Work equals the weight force times the vertical distance moved.
Pushing a wall with 100 N of force but the wall does not move: \(W = 100\,\)N\( \times 0\,\)m\( = 0\,\)J\(\)
No distance moved means no work is done, even though force is applied.
Common mistakes
- carrying a heavy bag horizontally does work against gravity → no work is done against gravity if displacement is perpendicular to the force Work requires movement in the direction of the force; horizontal carry has zero vertical displacement.
- \(W = F \times d\) always, even if force and motion are at an angle → \(W = F \times d \times \cos(\theta)\) when force is at angle \(\theta\) to motion Only the component of force parallel to displacement does work.
- holding a heavy object still requires doing work continuously → holding still means zero displacement, so \(W = 0\) Work is only done when the object moves; static force transfers no energy to the object.
Where you'll use it next
You'll apply work and force when studying energy transfer, power (work per time), simple machines, and mechanical advantage in physics, and later in engineering and biomechanics.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026