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Difference between revisions of "Work Done"

(Equation for Work Done by Electricity)
(Key Stage 4)
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''Equation 1 is [[Substitution (Maths)|substituted]] into equation 2 to give'' <math> W = IVt</math>.
 
''Equation 1 is [[Substitution (Maths)|substituted]] into equation 2 to give'' <math> W = IVt</math>.
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===Equation for Work Done by Deformation===

Revision as of 13:30, 11 February 2019

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Work Done is the amount of energy transferred by the action of a force.

About Work Done

Work Done is measured in Joules.
Work Done can only be calculated for objects moving in the direction of the force. If the direction of the force and the motion of an object are perpendicular then no work is being done on the object by that force.

Equation

Work Done = (Force) x (Distance moved in the direction of the force) \[ W = F \times d\] \[ W = Fd\]

Work done is written with a capital W. Force is written with a capital F. Distance is written with a lower case d.

Example Calculations

A person lifts a 40N box by a height of 1.2m. Calculate the work done by the person against gravity. The brakes on a car apply a force of 10,000N. The car travels a distance of 15m braking. Calculate the work done by the brakes. A person carries a 20N box along a horizontal path of 20m.

Force = 40N

Distance moved in the direction of the force = 1.2m

\( W = Fd\)

\( W = 40 \times 1.2\)

\( W = 48J\)

Force = 10,000N

Distance moved in the direction of the force = 15m

\( W = Fd\)

\( W = 10,000 \times 15\)

\( W = 15,000J\)

Force = 40N

Distance moved in the direction of the force = 0m

\( W = Fd\)

\( W = 20 \times 0\)

\( W = 0J\)

No work has been done because the movement is not in the direction of the force. The weight acts downwards but the movement was horizontal.

Work Done by Deformation

When an object is deformed, such as a spring being stretched, work is done to transfer energy into its Elastic Potential Energy Store.

Work Done on a Spring

HookesLawSpring.png
Work is done to stretch this spring.
The Force needed to stretch a spring is proportional to the extension of the spring (Hooke's Law). Force = Spring Constant x Extension
The Work Done on an object is proportional to the force and the distance traveled. Work Done = Force x Distance
The distance moved is the same as the extension 'x'.

These two equations can be combined:

1. \( F = kx\)
2. \( W = Fx\)

Substitute 1 into 2. \[W = (kx) \times x\] \[W = kx^2\]


Key Stage 4

Meaning

Work Done is the amount of energy transferred by the action of a force.

About Work Done

Work Done is measured in Joules.

Work Done by a Force

Work Done by a force can only be calculated for objects moving in the direction of the force. If the direction of the force and the motion of an object are perpendicular then no work is being done on the object by that force.

Work Done by Electricity

Work can also be done by an electrical current as the electrostatic field inside a wire provides a force to move the electrons (or ions).

Equation for Work Done by a Force

Work Done = (Force) x (Distance moved in the direction of the force)

\( W = Fd\)

Where:

W = Work done

F = The Force applied to the object.

d = The distance moved by the object in the direction of the force.

Equation for Work Done by Electricity

Work Done = (Current) x (Potential Difference) x (time)

\( W = IVt\)

Where:

W = Work done

I = The current through the component

V = The potential difference across the component.

t = The length of time that the current is flowing.

NB: You do not need to remember this equation. However you do need to remember the two equations which are combined to make this equation.

1. \( P = IV\)

2. \( W = Pt\)

Where:

P = Power

Equation 1 is substituted into equation 2 to give \( W = IVt\).

Equation for Work Done by Deformation