![]() Now using the equation: Work (J) = Force (N) x Distance (m) we can calculate the work done.Ġ.5 joules of work has been done on the ball. So, we know the force in newtons and the distance the ball has travelled. This requires 1 newton of force and over a period of a second, the ball travels 0.5m. The ball begins in a stationary position and accelerates at 1m/s² for 1 second. Also, let’s assume that the ball weighs 1kg to keep the calculations simple. To simplify the scenario, let’s pretend that there is no gravity, there is no air and so no other forces are acting upon the ball. We will move a stationary 10-pin bowling ball 0.5 metres in a straight line in space. We still refer to horsepower when talking about vehicles and machinery, and in case you were wondering, 1 horsepower = 746 watts. Power is the rate at which energy is transferred, which also means the rate of doing work. In fact, energy is the ability to do work! Work and energy have a close relationship because energy is required to do work, which is why the SI units of energy and work are joules. Remember, this is the norm in the universe and objects only slow down on Earth due to friction. In fact, this is well explained by Newton’s 1st Law of Motion which is often stated as “Objects in motion, stay in motion and objects at rest stay at rest, unless acted upon by a net external force”. ![]() As we know from our everyday experience, stationary objects don’t move without influence. As we know from GCSE Physics, displacement is the movement of an object in a straight line. Another way of understanding the concept of work is to think that work done equals displacement whilst a force is being applied.
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