How are work done and joules related?

Work done and joules are related because work done is measured in joules, which is the unit of energy.

In physics, "work done" refers to the amount of energy transferred when a force moves an object over a distance. The formula to calculate work done is: Work Done (W) = Force (F) × Distance (d) × cos(θ), where θ is the angle between the force and the direction of movement. When the force and movement are in the same direction, cos(θ) is 1, simplifying the formula to W = F × d.

The joule (J) is the standard unit of work and energy in the International System of Units (SI). One joule is defined as the amount of work done when a force of one newton moves an object one metre in the direction of the force. Therefore, if you apply a force of one newton to push a box for one metre, you have done one joule of work.

Understanding this relationship helps in various real-world applications. For example, when you lift a book from the floor to a shelf, you are doing work against gravity. The amount of work done can be calculated by multiplying the weight of the book (force due to gravity) by the height of the shelf (distance). The result will be in joules, giving you a clear idea of the energy required for the task.

In summary, the concept of work done and its measurement in joules is fundamental in physics, helping us quantify the energy transfer in different scenarios. This understanding is crucial for analysing everything from simple mechanical tasks to complex systems in engineering and technology.