Final answer:
The work done by a force on an object is the energy transferred to that object through the displacement in the force's direction, calculated with the formula W = Fd cos θ, where F is the force applied, d is the displacement, and θ is the angle between them. Work is measured in joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The work done by a force on an object is a measure of the energy transfer that occurs when the object is displaced by the force. The scientific definition requires that the displacement must be in the direction of the force applied. The work W can be calculated using the formula W = Fd cos θ, where F is the magnitude of the force, d is the magnitude of the displacement, and θ is the angle between the force and displacement vectors. The unit of work in the International System of Units (SI) is the joule (J).
It is important to note that work is done only when the displacement is parallel to the force vector. If the displacement is perpendicular to the force, the work done is zero. This reflects the fact that work is related to the component of the force in the direction of the displacement.
The concept of work is closely related to energy: when work is done by a force, energy is transferred to the object, thereby potentially changing the object's state of motion or position.