Question

What is the best explanation of work?

A. Work occurs when a force acts on an object.


B. Work occurs when force acts to hold an object in place.


C. Work occurs when energy acts on an object.


D. Work occurs when a force acts on an object and causes a displacement of that object.

Answer 1

In physics, work is defined as a force causing the movement—or displacement—of an object. In the case of a constant force, work is the scalar product of the force acting on an object and the displacement caused by that force.

Answer 2

Answer: option D

Explanation: In physics, you say that a force is "doing work" when the force is acting on an object and causes a movement in the said object. This means that if you start pushing a wall, and the wall does not move, there is no work generated, indifferent of the amount of force applied.

Under this viewpoint, the right option is D.

"Work occurs when a force acts on an object and causes a displacement of that object."