What is the formula for calculating work done?

The formula for calculating work done defines work as the product of force applied to an object and the distance over which that force is applied. In this context, work is quantified in joules when force is measured in newtons and distance in meters. When a force acts on an object and moves it through a distance, it results in energy transfer, which is the essence of mechanical work.

This relationship is crucial because it highlights how work hinges not only on the magnitude of the force exerted but also on how far that force can move an object. The force must be in the same direction as the movement to effectively contribute to the work done. This formula serves as a foundational principle in physics, applicable in various contexts involving mechanics, such as lifting an object, pushing, or pulling it across a surface.