Work (physics)
Work (physics)
Work (pronounced: /wɜːrk/) in the field of Physics is the measure of energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved by an external force along a displacement. It is denoted by the symbol W and is measured in units of Joule (J).
Etymology
The term 'work' was first used in the context of physics by the French mathematician Gaspard-Gustave de Coriolis in 1826. It is derived from the Greek word 'ergon', meaning 'work', 'task', or 'deed'.
Definition
In physics, work is defined as the product of the component of a force in the direction of displacement and the magnitude of this displacement. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
- W = F.d.cos(θ)
where:
- W is the work done,
- F is the force applied,
- d is the displacement caused by the force, and
- θ is the angle between the force and the displacement vector.
Related Terms
- Force: In physics, force is any interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object.
- Displacement (physics): Displacement in physics is the shortest distance from the initial to the final position of a point.
- Energy: In physics, energy is the quantitative property that must be transferred to a body or physical system to perform work on the body, or to heat it.
- Joule: The joule is a derived unit of energy in the International System of Units. It is equal to the energy transferred to an object when a force of one newton acts on that object in the direction of the force's motion through a distance of one metre.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Work (physics)
- Wikipedia's article - Work (physics)
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