Work and Power

Front

Work Noun

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[wurk]

Back

Work

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The product of force and distance, representing energy transferred when a force is applied to an object causing movement.

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Example: A person does work by applying a pushing force (Fp) to move a crate up a ramp, overcoming an opposing force like friction (f).

Front

Joule Noun

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[jool]

Back

Joule

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The standard unit of measurement for work and energy in the International System of Units (SI), symbolized as J.

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Example: This image shows that when the force applied to an object (holding the box up) is perpendicular to the direction of motion, no scientific work is done.

Front

Newton Noun

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[noo-tn]

Back

Newton

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The standard unit of measurement for force in the International System of Units (SI), symbolized as N.

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Example: This image shows Newton's Second Law, F=ma, where the unit of Force (F) is the Newton (N), visually defining the term.

Front

Power Noun

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[pou-er]

Back

Power

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The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred over a period of time, calculated as work divided by time.

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Example: A weightlifter does work by applying an upward force (200 N) to lift a barbell over a distance (2 m). Power is the rate at which this work is done.

Front

Watt Noun

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[wot]

Back

Watt

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The standard unit of measurement for power in the International System of Units (SI), equivalent to one joule per second.

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Example: This chart shows that a Watt (W) measures power usage. More efficient light bulbs, like LEDs, use fewer watts to produce the same brightness.

Front

Machine Noun

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[muh-sheen]

Back

Machine

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A device that makes work easier to do by changing the direction or magnitude of an applied force.

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Example: A lever is a simple machine that makes work easier. Applying a small force (effort) over a long distance moves a heavy object (load) a shorter distance.

Front

Simple Machine Noun

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[sim-puhl muh-sheen]

Back

Simple Machine

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A basic mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force, using mechanical advantage to multiply force.

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Example: This diagram shows a lever, a type of simple machine, using a small downward force (effort) to lift a heavy block (load) by pivoting on a fulcrum.

Front

Compound Machine Noun

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[kom-pound muh-sheen]

Back

Compound Machine

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A device that is composed of two or more simple machines operating together to accomplish a single task.

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Example: A wheelbarrow is a compound machine because it combines two simple machines: a lever (the handles) and a wheel and axle, which work together.

Front

Input Noun

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[in-poot]

Back

Input

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The amount of force, distance, or work applied to a machine by the person or system using it.

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Example: A person applies an input force, represented by the arrow, to push an object, which is the first step in doing work.

Front

Output Noun

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[out-poot]

Back

Output

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The amount of force, distance, or work done by a machine as a result of the input.

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Example: This diagram shows a pulley lifting a weight. The 'Output' is the work the machine does, shown as the upward force (Fout) that lifts the weight.