In physics, 'work' happens only when a force causes an object to move.

What is Work Done by a Constant Force?

A constant force is a push or pull that does not change in strength or direction. When you push a shopping cart with the same amount of strength across a flat floor, you are applying a constant force. Work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance the object moves in the direction of that force.

The Core Formula

You can calculate the work done using a simple mathematical equation:

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

• Force (F): This is the push or pull, measured in Newtons (N).
• Displacement (d): This is how far the object moved, measured in meters (m).
• Work (W): This is the energy transferred, measured in Joules (J).

Real-World Examples

Imagine you are sliding a heavy book across a table. If you push the book with a steady force of 5 Newtons and it slides 2 meters, you have done 10 Joules of work. If the book does not move at all, the displacement is zero. Therefore, even if you push as hard as you can, the work done is zero because the object stayed in place.

The Importance of Direction

Work only counts when the movement happens in the same direction as your push. If you push a box forward but it moves sideways, the force you applied did not contribute to that specific movement. Only the part of the force that aligns with the path of the object counts toward the total work done. If you lift a bag upward, the force is upward and the movement is upward, making your work positive.