What is work? What is the unit of work?

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Question: What is work? What is the unit of work?
Options:
 a. The distance that an object is moved by a force
 b. The magnitude of a force that can move an object
 c. The direction of a force to move an object
 d. The ability of a force to move an object

Option a: This describes displacement associated with the motion, but work is not simply the distance; it must account for how the force acts on the object along the direction of motion. So this is not a complete definition of work.
Option b: This describes force magnitude, not the actual transfer of energy through movement. Work depends on both force and displacement, not just the force’s size. Therefore, this is incorrect.
Option c: This focuses on the direction of the force, which is relevant to whether work can occur, but simply knowing the direction doesn’t specify that energy is transferred by moving the object. It omits the necessary role of displacement and the component of force along the motion.
Option d: This statement captures the core idea that work is the transfer or ability of a force to move an object, i.e., a force performing work when it causes displacement in the direction of the force. It aligns with the concept that work involves energy transfer via motion.

In summary, options a, b, and c each isolate a piece related to force, displacement, or direction but fail to define work as the energy transfer resulting from a force moving an object. Option d correctly conveys the overall concept of work as the capability of a force to cause motion (and thus transfer energy) when there is displacement.

UCIC 202503 PHYS101 Quiz 3

What is work? What is the unit of work?

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