Generally, work is the result of the action of a force on an object, which moves in a certain direction. Work can be positive or negative, depending on whether the force is toward or against motion. Work may also be caused by the action of thermal or electric fields, magnetic fields, and particle bombardment.
Work depends on three factors: the force, the distance, and the direction. If the force is against motion, work is negative. For example, if you push yourself up, you will not do any work. However, if the force is in the direction of motion, you will perform work. You will increase your height by 2.50 meters if you weigh 75.0 kilograms.
The force is a vector. The magnitude and direction of the force must be known in order to calculate the amount of work done. The angle (theta) between the force and the displacement vector is also important. The horizontal component of the force can be calculated by multiplying the force F by the cosine of the angle between F and d. In this example, the horizontal component of the force is the force of a meter.
Work can also be negative, meaning that the object is displaced in the opposite direction. For example, if a ball rolls on a slippery surface, there may be a large amount of displacement. However, if the ball rolls in a straight direction, the horizontal force will not have a direct effect on the ball. This is because the force is perpendicular to the direction of the ball’s motion.
In order to calculate the amount of work, the angle between the force and the displacement must be known. The cosine of the angle is related to the cause factor, or the portion of the force that is causing the displacement. The magnitude and direction of the force are also important, but not as important as the angle. For example, the force of a meter is equal to the force of a newton. If the force is a newton and the distance is one meter, the work is one joule.
The term work is generally defined in terms of mechanical terms. However, it can also be used to describe various other phenomena. For example, a coolie at a railway station will lower his or her baggage to the ground and grab it to keep it from toppling. The term is also used for the act of an Olympian launching a shot put. Other examples of work include a horse pulling a plow through a field, a biker riding a paddling cycle, and a cobbler polishing shoes.
Work can be expressed mathematically by using the following equation:
