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The formula for work done is W = F × d: work done in joules equals force in newtons times distance moved in metres. Free GCSE Physics notes and 12 FAQs.
Introducing Work Done is part of Work done and energy transfer in GCSE AQA Higher Physics.
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The formula for work done is W = F × d: work done in joules equals force in newtons times distance moved in metres. Free GCSE Physics notes and 12 FAQs.
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Use this lesson to stay inside Work done and energy transfer while connecting the detail back to the wider Forces topic.
Read the core explanations from Introducing Work Done before testing yourself from memory.
Picture yourself pushing a heavy box across the floor. Your muscles are working, you're getting tired, and the box is moving. Something is definitely happening here — but what exactly?
When you apply a force to move an object through a distance, you're doing work on that object. This isn't just the everyday meaning of 'work' — it's a precise scientific concept that describes energy transfer.
Work done requires two things happening together: a force acting on an object AND the object moving through a distance. Remove either ingredient and no work is done.
The key word is 'causes' — the force must be responsible for the movement. If you're carrying a bag while walking horizontally, you're not doing work on the bag. Your upward force balances the bag's weight, but it doesn't cause the horizontal movement.
Now we can calculate exactly how much work is done. The relationship is beautifully simple:
Notice the units: newtons × metres = joules. This makes sense because work is energy transferred, and energy is measured in joules.
Worked example: Calculating Work Done
A force of 20 N pushes a trolley 5 m across a level floor. Calculate the work done. [2 marks]
Answer: 100 J
Work done is really about energy transfer. When you do work on an object, you're transferring energy from yourself (or whatever is applying the force) to the object.
The energy you transfer can appear in different forms in the object:
This is why the work done formula uses joules — it's measuring the energy transferred, not just the mechanical action.
Worked example: Work Done Against Gravity
A student lifts a 2 kg bag vertically upward by 1.5 m. Calculate the work done against gravity. (g = 9.8 N/kg) [3 marks]
Answer: 29.4 J
This is where students often get confused. There are several situations that look like work is being done, but actually aren't:
The last point is crucial: work is only done when the force and movement are in the same direction. If they're at right angles, no work is done by that force.
Work done questions are mark-friendly if you follow the method. Examiners look for specific things in your answers.
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Move to the related lessons or back to the topic page when you need the wider sequence before exam-style practice.
The formula for work done is W = F × d: work done in joules equals force in newtons times distance moved in metres. A force of 20 N pushing a trolley 5 m across a level floor does 20 × 5 = 100 J of work.
Work done is the energy transferred when a force causes an object to move through a distance in the direction of the force, measured in joules (J). It needs both a force and movement; remove either and no work is done.
When work is done on an object, energy is transferred to it: to its kinetic energy if it speeds up, gravitational potential energy if it is lifted, thermal energy if friction causes heating, or elastic potential energy if it is stretched or compressed.
When work is done, the energy can appear as kinetic energy if the object speeds up, gravitational potential energy if it is lifted, thermal energy if friction causes heating, or elastic potential energy if it is stretched or compressed.
Work is not done when an object is held stationary, because there is a force but no movement, or when the force is perpendicular to the movement. Work is only done when the force and movement are in the same direction.
Carrying a bag while walking horizontally does no work on the bag. The upward force balances the bag's weight but does not cause the horizontal movement, and a force at right angles to the movement does no work.
A 20 N force pushing a trolley 5 m across a level floor does 100 J of work. Using W = F × d, W = 20 × 5 = 100 J.
Lifting a 2 kg bag 1.5 m vertically does 29.4 J of work against gravity, taking g = 9.8 N/kg. The weight is 2 × 9.8 = 19.6 N, and W = 19.6 × 1.5 = 29.4 J, transferred to gravitational potential energy.
Holding an object stationary does no work, because although there is a force, there is no movement. Work needs a force and a movement in the direction of that force happening together.
Work done is measured in joules (J). In W = F × d, newtons × metres = joules, which makes sense because work done is the energy transferred.
Work done needs two things happening together: a force acting on an object and the object moving through a distance. The force must cause the movement; remove either ingredient and no work is done.
A force at right angles to the movement does no work, because work is only done when the force and movement are in the same direction. Carrying a bag horizontally is an example.