The Joule is defined as the energy transferred when a force of one Newton displaces an object by which distance?

The Joule is defined as the energy transferred when a force of one Newton displaces an object by which distance?

• A. One meter
• B. One kilometer
• C. One centimeter
• D. One millimeter

Answer: (A)

Work is the energy transfer that happens when a force moves an object. It equals the product of the force and the distance the object moves in the direction of that force: W = F × d. The Joule is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of 1 Newton moves the object by 1 meter in the direction of the force, so W = 1 N × 1 m = 1 J. This means pushing with 1 N and moving 1 m transfers 1 joule of energy. If the distance were different, the energy scales accordingly (for example, 1 N over 1000 m would transfer 1000 J). Remember, this straight relation holds when the motion is in the direction of the force; if the force isn’t aligned with the displacement, the work is Fd cos theta.

Work is the energy transfer that happens when a force moves an object. It equals the product of the force and the distance the object moves in the direction of that force: W = F × d. The Joule is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of 1 Newton moves the object by 1 meter in the direction of the force, so W = 1 N × 1 m = 1 J. This means pushing with 1 N and moving 1 m transfers 1 joule of energy. If the distance were different, the energy scales accordingly (for example, 1 N over 1000 m would transfer 1000 J). Remember, this straight relation holds when the motion is in the direction of the force; if the force isn’t aligned with the displacement, the work is Fd cos theta.