Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
Recall and use the equation: work done (joule, J) = force (newton, N) ×…
Full specification wording
Topic 8 – Energy – forces doing work: 8.6 Recall and use the equation: work done (joule, J) = force (newton, N) × distance moved in the direction of the force (metre, m)
Work done measures the energy transferred when a force moves an object.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 6 of 15
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Work done measures the energy transferred when a force moves an object. The equation is W = F × s, where W is work done in joules (J), F is the force in newtons (N) and s is the distance moved in the direction of the force in metres (m). Only the component of movement along the force line counts: pushing a box 3 m across the floor with a 20 N horizontal force transfers 20 × 3 = 60 J, but carrying it horizontally while the push is vertical does no work against that force. One joule equals one newton metre. Rearranged, F = W ÷ s and s = W ÷ F. Convert centimetres to metres and kilojoules to joules before substituting, and check the unit of the answer.
What earns the marks
- States the equation as work done = force × distance moved in the direction of the force, with W in joules, F in newtons and s in metres.
- Substitutes values into W = F × s and computes the product with the correct unit of joules.
- Rearranges the equation to F = W ÷ s or s = W ÷ F when the question supplies work done and one other quantity.
- Recognises that only the distance moved along the line of the force contributes to work done.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Uses the total distance travelled regardless of direction.
Put it right: Resolve the displacement along the force line before multiplying.
Forgets to convert centimetres to metres.
Put it right: Divide the centimetre value by 100 before substituting.
Adds force and distance instead of multiplying them.
Put it right: Apply W = F × s as a product.
Omits the unit or writes the wrong unit for work done.
Put it right: State the answer in joules.
Exam tips
- Write the equation, then substitute numbers with units before calculating, so a unit slip is visible.
- Convert every length to metres and every energy to joules at the start of the calculation.
- Check the answer by rearranging: divide work done by force and confirm you recover the distance.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 8 – Energy – forces doing work: 8.6 Recall and use the equation: work done (joule, J) = force (newton, N) × distance moved in the direction of the force (metre, m) lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In the equation for work done, what does the distance term represent?
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Test your understanding of Topic 8 – Energy – forces doing work: 8.6 Recall and use the equation: work done (joule, J) = force (newton, N) × distance moved in the direction of the force (metre, m)
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