Work
The formula for calculating work is
W = F x d
Since the unit for Force is Newtons, and the unit for distance is meters, then Work is in Newton·meters, which is given the name Joules. Joules are named after James Joule, a famous scientist who studied energy.
It turns out that work and energy can be considered the same thing. Both cause change. The symbol for Joules is J.
James Prescott Joule, British scientist.. IRC. 2005. Discovery Education. 18 March 2009 <http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/>
When a force acts over a certain distance and causes an acceleration, we can compute the work done by multiplying the force times the distance it affects the object.
For example: Compute how much work is done when a student uses 10 N of force to lift a book bag 1 m.
W = F x d
so W = 10 N x 1 m
W = 10 Joules or 10 J.
Check: How much work is done when a crane uses 1000 N of force to lift a crate off of a dock and place it on a ships deck 30 m above? AnswerW = F x d
= 1000N x 30 m
= 30,000 J
