Free · Physics models

Mechanical Work and Average Power

Calculate work from force and displacement or from the change in kinetic energy.

  • Formula & worked example
  • Private in your browser
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Calculator inputs

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How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the known values in the units shown. Results update as you type.
  2. Where results are editable, change one to solve backwards. Lock a value to hold it fixed.
  3. Use the worked example to check the method. Reset restores the starting fields.

Private by default

Inputs and results stay in this browser tab. Bookify does not upload or store the values you enter.

Formula and method

Work (W) = 1.0000000; Work (W) = 1.0000000. The worked example lists its inputs and unit conventions.

W = Fs cosθ = m(vf²−vi²)/2; Pavg = W/t.

Worked example

Enter these known values and leave the other values blank.

Force (F)
1 N
Displacement (d)
2 m
Angle of force (θ)
60 deg
Work (W)
1 J
Force (F)
1 N
Work (W)
1 J

Assumptions and limitations

  • Force must be constant over the displacement for the geometric branch. The velocity branch represents net work. The auxiliary velocity, time and displacement relationships assume constant acceleration along a straight line. Negative work represents removal of kinetic energy.
  • Clear the quantity to solve an inverse; keep known quantities fixed with locks. Some inverses are singular or ambiguous and require further known values.
  • Unit selectors convert the same physical quantity. Rounded reference constants and presets limit physical accuracy even when arithmetic displays more digits.

Common questions

What does this model assume?

Force must be constant over the displacement for the geometric branch. The velocity branch represents net work. The auxiliary velocity, time and displacement relationships assume constant acceleration along a straight line. Negative work represents removal of kinetic energy.

Can I solve for an input?

Editable calculated fields support the captured inverse relationships. Clear the unknown and supply enough independent known values; an inverse must remain within the declared physical domain.

References

Force must be constant over the displacement for the geometric branch. The velocity branch represents net work. The auxiliary velocity, time and displacement relationships assume constant acceleration along a straight line. Negative work represents removal of kinetic energy.

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