## Encyclopedia > Work (physics)

Article Content

# Mechanical work

Redirected from Work (physics)

In Newtonian mechanics, work is a measure of energy expended in applying force over a distance.

For the motion of a body against a constant force, work can be expressed as:

W = F · d (dot product)

$W = \left| \mathbf{F} \right| \cdot \left| s \right| \cdot \cos \alpha$

where

• W : work (energy)
• F : force
• d : distance moved

In modern physics, the term energy is generally used to refer to all forms of energy, including mechanical work.

The SI derived unit of work is the Joule. Other units include the erg, the foot-pound and the foot-poundal.

stub alarm

All Wikipedia text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License

Search Encyclopedia
 Search over one million articles, find something about almost anything!

Featured Article
 Kaspar Schmidt ... Philosophy 3 Train of Influence 4 External Links Biography Max Stirner as portrayed by Friedrich Engels. Stirner was a German schoolteacher employed ...