Work

When a force causes displacement to an object, work is done to that object. In order for work to be done, it must meet two standards. The first is the object must move when force is applied to it. The second is the object must move in the direction that force has been applied to it. For example, if you tried to move a boulder with all your might, and put a lot of energy into pushing it, if the boulder doesn’t move, it is not considered that you did work. In a volley ball game, a lot of work is done because the volleyball is continuously being hit around the court in all different directions. Work is measured in Joules.

Work = Force x Distance

W= F x d

Example: If a player applies a force of 75 Newtons (N) to a volleyball and hits it 5 meters (m) into the court how much work has been done?

Work = Force x Distance

W= 75 N x 5 m

Answer: W= 375 J