Difference between revisions of "Work"
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| − | In [[physics]], work refers to the product of [[force]] and [[distance]] vectors | + | In [[physics]], '''work''' refers to the product of [[force]] and [[distance]] vectors |
<ref>Serway and Beichner, ''Physics for Scientists and Engineers'', Fifth Edition</ref>. | <ref>Serway and Beichner, ''Physics for Scientists and Engineers'', Fifth Edition</ref>. | ||
Revision as of 17:49, April 30, 2008
In physics, work refers to the product of force and distance vectors [1].
W = F · d
Or:
W = F d cos θ
Where θ is the angle that separates the vectors. The second form of the equation is the expanded form of the "dot product" in the first equation. In physics, the dot product "a · b" (read "a dot b") can be rewritten as "a b cos θ".
Work is a transfer of energy; if W is positive, there is a transfer of energy to the system, and if W is negative there is a transfer of energy from the system.
Its units are that of force multiplied by distance, in SI this is Newton · Meter, or Joule
References
- ↑ Serway and Beichner, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Fifth Edition