Work Done by a Force
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More Lessons for IGCSE Physics
Math Worksheets
A series of free GCSE/IGCSE Physics Notes and Lessons.
• Describe what is meant by work done.
• Calculate work done by a force acting on a force.
Work is done whenever energy is transferred from one store to another.
Mechanical work involves using a force to move an object.
Electrical work involves a current transferring energy.
Work done (J) = Force (N) x Distance (m)
Example:
During braking, a force of 2000N is applied to the brakes of a car. The car takes 20m to come to a stop. Calculate the work done.
Work Done By a Constant Force and By Friction, Net Work Calculations
How to calculate the work done by a constant force and how to calculate the work done by friction?
How to calculate the net work done on an object?
Whenever the force and displacement vector are parallel to each other, the work done on an object is positive which causes the speed and kinetic energy of the object to increase. If the force and displacement vectors are perpendicular, no work is done and the object's kinetic energy remains constant. The work done by friction is usually negative since the kinetic friction force vector is antiparallel to an object's displacement.
Examples:
1. (a) How much work is done by a horizontal force of 150N that acts on a crate for a distance of 10m?
(b)How much work is done on the crate across the frictionless surface?
(c) How much work is done on the crate if the crate returns to rest due to friction.
2. A 40kg box is pulled 100m by a tension force of 200N at 30 degrees above the horizontal to the right. A constant kinetic frictional force of 80N impedes the motion of the box.
(a) What is the work done by the tension force?
(b) How much work is done by friction?
(c) Calculate the net work done on the box.
More Lessons for IGCSE Physics
Math Worksheets
A series of free GCSE/IGCSE Physics Notes and Lessons.
Work Done by a Force
The following diagram gives the formula for work done by a force. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on how to use the formula.
• Describe what is meant by work done.
• Calculate work done by a force acting on a force.
Work is done whenever energy is transferred from one store to another.
Mechanical work involves using a force to move an object.
Electrical work involves a current transferring energy.
Work done (J) = Force (N) x Distance (m)
Example:
During braking, a force of 2000N is applied to the brakes of a car. The car takes 20m to come to a stop. Calculate the work done.
How to calculate the work done by a constant force and how to calculate the work done by friction?
How to calculate the net work done on an object?
Whenever the force and displacement vector are parallel to each other, the work done on an object is positive which causes the speed and kinetic energy of the object to increase. If the force and displacement vectors are perpendicular, no work is done and the object's kinetic energy remains constant. The work done by friction is usually negative since the kinetic friction force vector is antiparallel to an object's displacement.
Examples:
1. (a) How much work is done by a horizontal force of 150N that acts on a crate for a distance of 10m?
(b)How much work is done on the crate across the frictionless surface?
(c) How much work is done on the crate if the crate returns to rest due to friction.
2. A 40kg box is pulled 100m by a tension force of 200N at 30 degrees above the horizontal to the right. A constant kinetic frictional force of 80N impedes the motion of the box.
(a) What is the work done by the tension force?
(b) How much work is done by friction?
(c) Calculate the net work done on the box.
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