Work Calculator

Use this online work calculator that helps you to determine the total amount of work done on an object. With this handy calculator, you can also find the power, force, and displacement by using different units. In this space, we will explain the work equation for physics, and few examples for how to calculate work.

Let’s dive in!

What is Work in Physics?

Generally, work (W) is often defined as the product of the force (F) over a distance of displacement. In other words, work is an energy transfer to or from an object by the application of force along with a displacement (d).

Joule (J) is the SI unit for work. The joule (J) is described as the work is done by the force (F) of a newton acting over a distance (d) of one meter (m). SI units of work (W) is kgm2s-2. An online work calculator provides all calculations with SI work units.

According to the work definition the equation for work is:

$$W = F * d$$

Where,

d = distance covers by an object

F = force applied to an object

W = work done

Work Formula:

Work equation in physics is:

W = Fd

Work (W) = force (F) X distance (d)

The force can be written as:

F = work (W) / displacement (d)

Then the Displacement (d) is:

d = Work (W) / Force (F)

Work from Velocity (v) Change:

Suppose an object that transforms its speed from the initial velocity (v₀) to the final velocity (v₁) over a time (t). We can calculate the force (f) using the acceleration (a):

F = m . a = m . (v₁ – v₀) / t

Then, obtain the distance (d) that can be approximated as:

d = t . (v₀ + v₁) / 2

Now, combine all things into the work formula:

W = F . d = [m . (v₁ – v₀) / t] . [t . (v₀ + v₁) / 2]

W = (m/2) . (v₁² – v₀²)

However, when you desire to calculate from the change in velocity then the work calculator gives all calculations using the above formulas. In addition, you can use an Online Velocity Calculator of physics specifically programmed to determine the velocity & speed of a moving object.

Types of Work (W):

There are three types of work.

+ve work done
Zero (0) work done
-ve work done

Positive (+) work done:

Work done is positive, when the force (F) and the displacement (d) are in the same directions. Or when the value of theta θ is between 0 to 90 degrees. For instance, pushing or pulling of the door.

Zero (0) work done:

Work done on any object is zero when force (F) and displacement (D) are normal to each other. Apart from this, when the value of theta θ is equal to 90 degrees. For example, when a person moves while holding a jug full of water.

Negative (-) work done:

Work done is negative, when the force and the displacement are in opposite directions. On the other side, work is negative, when the value of theta θ is between 90 to 180 degrees. For example, work is done on a football moving up due to gravity.

How to Calculate Work Done?

If you want to know how to find work by hand then follow these steps:

Firstly, find force using its formula, which is F = ma.
Measure the angle.
Then convert values into SI units and plug in all the values in the formula for work and solve it.

Otherwise, you can determine work and related terms by plug in the known values in the work calculator.

Example: Word with force (F) and displacement.

Find the work done by the force?

Force = 15 N

Angle = 45

Displacement = 22 m

Work Calculator Example

Solution:

By applying the work formula:

W = Fd cos θ

F = 15 * Cos 45 = 10.60 N

And the distance is d = 22m

Now as per force equation

W = 10.60 N X 22 m = 233 J

However, an Online Displacement Calculator allows the calculation of displacement by an object using the average, acceleration, initial, final velocities, and time.

Definition of Power (P):

In physics, power (P) is a scalar quantity, which is the amount of energy converted and changed per unit of time. The SI unit of power is the watt, which is equal to joule per second.

P = W / T

Where P is power, t is time and W is work done.

How to Use Work Calculator?

This free online calculator determines the work, power, force, and displacement with the following steps:

Input:

First of all, choose work or power from the drop-down list.
If you select the work then choose an option to calculate from force & displacement or change in velocity.
Now, click on an option that you want to find and enter the corresponding values with different units.
Click on the calculate button.

Output:

The work calculator provides the answer with a unit according to the option that you selected before.
Then displays formula and step-by-step solution.

FAQs:

Define the relationship between torque and rotation?

Torque changes the angular velocity, and the amount of angular momentum which, depends on its angular velocity. So, the torque can transform angular momentum this is how both are related.

What is the relationship between work and energy?

Energy changes the position of an object and this amount of energy changed by the force to move a particular object is called work done. Hence the direct relationship between energy and work.

Conclusion:

An online work calculator that allows you to compute the work and power when two of the variables are known. Find these values by hand is such a difficult and time-consuming task so, you can use this handy calculator that helps to find exact values with SI units quickly without any cost.

Reference:

From the source of Wikipedia: Work and energy, Constraint forces, Work done by a variable force, Torque and rotation.

From the source of Britannica: Work and potential energy, Work by gravity, Work by gravity in space, Work by a spring.

From the source of Physics Info: conservative vs. nonconservative forces, work-energy theorem, Sign conventions, Derivation for a particle moving along a straight line.