How this calculator works
Mechanical work is the force component along a displacement integrated over that displacement. A constant force gives a dot product; net work equals the change in kinetic energy. Negative work removes translational energy. The acceleration method assumes constant net acceleration parallel to the displacement. Average power divides the signed work by elapsed time.
Formula
W = Fd cos(theta) = m(v_final^2 - v_initial^2)/2. For constant net acceleration W = mad; average P = W/t.
Worked example
A 100 N force over 2 m at 60 degrees does 100 J of work. A 2 kg mass speeding from 1 to 3 m/s gains 8 J.
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Frequently asked questions
Can work be negative?
Yes. A force component opposite the displacement does negative work.
Does the speed-change method give work by one force?
It gives net work by all forces. Individual forces can transfer different amounts.
What happens at a right angle?
That constant force does zero work. Its magnitude cannot be recovered from zero work in that geometry.