Final answer:
Work in physics is the force applied to an object times the distance it moves in the force's direction, with joules (J) and foot-pounds (ft·lb) being the SI and British Imperial units for work, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
In physics, work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance that object moves in the direction of the force. The SI unit for work is the joule (J), which is derived as one newton-meter (N·m), equivalent to one kilogram meter squared per second squared (kg·m²/s²). One joule of work is done when a force of one newton displaces an object by one meter in the direction of the force.
Additionally, the British Imperial unit for work is the foot-pound (ft·lb). This unit is defined as the work done by a force of one pound exerting an object through a displacement of one foot in the direction of the force. Therefore, there are two different units commonly used to represent work: the joule in the International System of Units (SI) and the foot-pound in the British Imperial System.