Physics
Work done by a constant force
Force in newtons times distance moved in the direction of the force, in metres. The result is in joules.
The Formula
W = F x d
Force in newtons times distance moved in the direction of the force, in metres. The result is in joules.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Work | joules | Energy transferred by the force. |
| F | Force | newtons | Constant force applied along the direction of motion. |
| d | Distance | metres | Displacement along the direction of the force. |
What Each Symbol Means
Wjoules
Work
Energy transferred by the force.
Fnewtons
Force
Constant force applied along the direction of motion.
dmetres
Distance
Displacement along the direction of the force.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate work page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Work, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.