Energy Transfer & Work (WJEC GCSE Physics: Combined Science)

• When a force acts on an object causing it to move then energy is transferred
• This energy transfer is known as the work done
  
  • If a force is applied to an object but doesn’t result in any movement, no work is done
  • Work done is measured in joules (J) or newton-metres
• The total amount of energy remains constant, in the absence of thermal energy transfer
• Energy cannot be created or destroyed
  • This is known as the conservation of energy

Work Done to Move a Box

Work is done when a force is used to move an object in the same direction it is acting

• The formula for work done is:

Work = force × distance moved in the direction of the force

• Where:
  • W = work done in joules (J) or newton-metres (N m)
  • F = force in newtons (N)
  • d = distance in metres (m)