Work Equation
Work = force × distance
The definition of work can be shown by the equation above.
Here is an example of how the equation works. Imagine that you have found a friend to help you move a heavy rock. You want to move the rock from one side of the yard to the other side. Together you exert a force of 150 newtons and move the rock a total of 3 meters in the same direction as you pushed (in the direction of the force). How much work did you do?
Work = force × distance
Work = 150 newtons × 3 meters
Work = 150 n × 3 m
Work = 450 n-m
Together, you did 450 n-m of work. If you assume that you have both been pushing equally hard, you each did 225 n-m of work.
Try it!
How much work do you do if you use a force of 25 Newtons to move a table 5 meters?