Mechanical Work

F

1

d

θ

0.5

See the calculation of work done moving an object. Work is equal to the force exerted on an object in the direction of motion

F

x

times the displacement

d

. The force

F

x

is the projection on the

x

axis of a force

F

that makes an angle

θ

with the object. No work is performed if the displacement is zero, even when there is a force. Remember that the unit for work is the joule (J), equivalent to a newton-meter.