Imagine a team of dogs pulling a sled through the snow. This is a great example of work being done. In science, work is when a force moves something over a distance. We measure work in units called joules, which is a way to talk about energy being transferred.
Let’s look at how we can calculate work. Suppose the dogs are pulling the sled with a force of 700 Newtons, and they move the sled 900 meters. To find out how much work they are doing, we multiply the force by the distance. So, 700 Newtons times 900 meters equals 630,000 joules. That’s how much work the dogs do to move the sled!
Work isn’t just about sleds and dogs. Think about when a plane lands. A lot of work is done to slow it down and bring it to a stop. This happens because of the friction between the plane’s wheels and the ground, as well as the air pushing against the wings. Sometimes, special hooks and straps are used to help stop the plane quickly.
Another example of work is during a car crash. When a car crashes, work is done on the car to make it stop. The force of the crash and the distance over which the car comes to a stop determine how much work is done.
Understanding work and energy helps us see how forces move things and how energy is used in different situations. It’s all about how things interact and change in our world!
Find an object at home, like a book or a small box. Measure the force needed to move it using a spring scale and the distance you move it. Calculate the work done using the formula: Work = Force x Distance. Share your findings with the class.
Draw a comic strip that illustrates a scenario involving work and energy, such as a superhero moving a heavy object. Use speech bubbles to explain the forces involved and how work is calculated. Present your comic to the class.
Participate in a scavenger hunt around your school or home to find examples of work being done. Take photos or draw sketches of each example, and write a brief explanation of the forces and distances involved. Share your findings with your classmates.
Work in groups to design a Rube Goldberg machine that demonstrates the concept of work. Your machine should include at least three steps where work is done to move an object. Present your machine to the class and explain how work is involved in each step.
Conduct an experiment to observe energy transformations. For example, use a toy car and a ramp to see how potential energy converts to kinetic energy. Measure the distance the car travels and calculate the work done. Discuss your observations with the class.
[Music] As dogs pull a sled through the snow, work is being done. Work is defined as the product of the force and the distance over which the force is applied. Since work involves a transfer of energy, the units of measurement are joules.
Let’s say that the dogs are applying a force of 700 Newtons to the sled and they pull the sled for 900 meters. We can calculate the amount of work being done by substituting values for force and distance and multiplying them together. We find that the work the dogs are doing is 630,000 joules.
When a plane lands, work is done to bring it to a stop. A force is applied to the plane to slow it down through the friction of the wheels on the ground, the friction on the wings, and in extreme circumstances, hooks and straps to bring it to a rapid stop.
[Applause] [Music]
Another example is during a car crash, where work is done on the car, causing it to stop.
Work – In physics, work is done when a force is applied to an object and the object moves in the direction of the force. – When you push a box across the floor, you are doing work on the box.
Energy – Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. – The energy from the sun helps plants grow by providing them with the light they need for photosynthesis.
Force – Force is a push or pull on an object that can cause it to change its velocity. – The force of gravity pulls objects toward the Earth.
Distance – Distance is the amount of space between two points. – The distance the car traveled was measured in kilometers.
Joules – Joules are the units used to measure energy or work in the International System of Units (SI). – Lifting a book onto a shelf requires a certain number of joules of energy.
Newtons – Newtons are the units used to measure force in the International System of Units (SI). – The force needed to lift an apple is about one newton.
Friction – Friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object when it is in contact with another surface. – Friction between the tires and the road helps cars stop when the brakes are applied.
Plane – In physics, a plane often refers to a flat, two-dimensional surface. – An inclined plane is a simple machine that helps lift objects with less force.
Car – A car is a vehicle that moves on wheels and is powered by an engine. – The car accelerated quickly when the driver pressed the gas pedal.
Crash – A crash is a sudden and forceful collision between two or more objects. – Scientists study car crashes to improve safety features in vehicles.
