Calculate the work done when a force of 1 N moves a 20-kg mass a distance of 2 meters.

Question

I know that W=FXD but in that case that mean that the work done for this problem is 2 joules. Is that right?

Answer 1

Yes. Your correct.

 

 

F = 1 N = 1 kg m/s²

m = 20 kg

d = 2 m

 

W = Fd      or    W = mad     

 

Since both F and d are given, we can go ahead and use the formula as it is. In the case one quantity is not given, then we must rewrite the formula in a new form. 

 

W = Fd

W = (1 kg m/s²)(2 m)

W = 2 joules = 2 kg m²/s²

 

Notice that I used units in the calculations.  This ensures that you are using the formula correctly and obtain the right numbers.