Work

 

 

Work (U) is the amount of energy transferred by a force acting through a distance. Note that work is a scalar quantity.

 

U_1-2 = ∫F⋅dr

 

• U_1-2 = Work performed by force F between state 1 and state 2.
• F = Net force being applied to the particle by something external to it.
• r = Position vector of the particle.

 

What are the units of work?

Check all that apply.

 

Meter (m)   
Newton (N)   
Newton-meter (N-m)   
Joules (J)   
kilocalorie (kcal)   
Pounds (lb)   
Foot-pound (ft-lb)   
British thermal units (BTU)   

 

 

 

Energy and work have the same units. This is because they are related. Energy is the capacity of a body to do work.