AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Work done and energy transfer: work done = force × distance
Work is done whenever a force moves an object.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 13
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Work is done whenever a force moves an object. The equation W = F s links the force in newtons to the distance moved in metres, giving work in joules. One joule is one newton-metre. For example, lifting a 20 N box 3 m vertically does W = 20 N × 3 m = 60 J. The distance must be measured along the line of action of the force, so only the component of motion in the force direction counts. If the force and motion are at right angles, no work is done by that force. Rearranging gives F = W ÷ s or s = W ÷ F, useful when energy transferred is known. Work done equals energy transferred, so the joule is shared by both quantities.
What earns the marks
- State the equation as work done = force × distance and identify work done in joules, force in newtons and distance in metres.
- Substitute numerical values correctly, including converting centimetres or kilometres to metres before calculating.
- Rearrange the equation to find force or distance when work done is given.
- Recognise that distance is measured along the line of action of the force, so perpendicular motion does not contribute.
- Explain that work done equals energy transferred, so a 60 J calculation means 60 J transferred.
- Use consistent significant figures or decimal places and include the correct unit, J, with the answer.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Using the distance moved in any direction rather than along the line of action of the force.
Put it right by resolving the displacement parallel to the force.
Forgetting to convert centimetres to metres, for example using 50 instead of 0.50 m.
Put it right by dividing centimetres by 100 before substituting.
Confusing work done with power or with force.
Put it right by checking whether the quantity needed is energy in joules, not watts or newtons.
Exam tips
- Write the equation, then substitute values with units before calculating so method marks are visible.
- Check that the distance is in metres and the force in newtons before multiplying.
- If the question gives energy transferred, treat it as work done and rearrange to find the missing force or distance.
Try the lesson
The start of the Work done and energy transfer: work done = force × distance lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student pushes a box of mass 10 kg with a horizontal force of 40 N. The box moves 3 m in the direction of the force. Using the equation work done = force × distance, what is the work done on the box?
Listen
Work is done whenever a force moves an object. The equation W = F s links the force in newtons to the distance moved in metres, giving work in joules. One joule is one newton-metre. For example, lifting a 20 N box 3 m vertically does W = 20 N × 3 m = 60 J. The distance must be measured along the line of action of the force, so only the component of motion in the force direction counts. If the force and motion are at right angles, no work is done by that force. Rearranging gives F = W ÷ s or s = W ÷ F, useful when energy transferred is known. Work done equals energy transferred, so the joule is shared by both quantities. A strong answer earns marks for these points. State the equation as work done = force × distance and identify work done in joules, force in newtons and distance in metres. Substitute numerical values correctly, including converting centimetres or kilometres to metres before calculating. Rearrange the equation to find force or distance when work done is given. Recognise that distance is measured along the line of action of the force, so perpendicular motion does not contribute. A common slip: Using the distance moved in any direction rather than along the line of action of the force. Instead, resolving the displacement parallel to the force. Exam tip: Write the equation, then substitute values with units before calculating so method marks are visible.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Work done
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Energy transfer
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Equation manipulation
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Forces and motion
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Work done
- Done whenever a force moves an object, calculated as force multiplied by distance, and measured in joules.
- Energy transfer
- Work done equals energy transferred, so the joule is shared by both quantities.
- Equation manipulation
- Rearranging gives force equals work done divided by distance, or distance equals work done divided by force, useful when energy transferred is known.
- Forces and motion
- If the force and motion are at right angles, no work is done by that force, so only the component of motion in the force direction counts.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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