Enter the total net force and force-distance into the calculator to determine the total work.

Net Force To Work Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Net Force To Work.

W = NF * D
  • Where W is the work (N-m)
  • NF is the net force (N)
  • D is the distance (m)

To calculate the work from the net force, multiply the net force by the distance.

How to calculate work from net force?

First, determine the total net force acting on the object.

In this example, using the help of the calculator linked above, the net force is found to be 500 N.

Next, determine the distance over which the force acted on the object.

In this example, the force was applied for a total of 5m.

Finally, calculate the work using the formula above:

W = NF * D

W = 500*5

W = 2500 N-m

FAQ

What is the significance of the net force in calculating work?

The net force is crucial in calculating work because it represents the total force acting on an object in a specific direction. Work is done when a force causes an object to move, and the net force is the sum of all forces acting on the object that contributes to its movement. Therefore, understanding the net force is essential for accurately calculating the amount of work done on an object.

Can work be negative? If so, under what circumstances?

Yes, work can be negative. This occurs when the direction of the force applied to an object is opposite to the direction of the object’s displacement. For example, if you push an object but it moves in the opposite direction (perhaps due to another force acting against your push), the work done by your force is considered negative. This concept is important in scenarios involving friction or any opposing force.

How does the distance over which the force is applied affect the total work done?

The distance over which the force is applied directly affects the total work done on an object. Work is defined as the force applied to an object times the distance over which it is applied (W = F * D). Therefore, for a given force, the greater the distance over which it is applied, the more work is done. Conversely, if no distance is covered (i.e., the object doesn’t move), no work is done, regardless of the amount of force applied.