Forces and Energy Transfers

This lesson covers the relationship between forces, work done and energy transfers — as required by the Edexcel GCSE Physics specification (1PH0), Topic 2: Motion and Forces. You need to understand work done, energy transfers in mechanical systems, and power, and be able to solve multi-step problems combining forces, energy and power.

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Work Done

When a force causes an object to move (or to be displaced), work is done on the object. Work done is a measure of energy transferred.

Work done = Force × Distance moved in the direction of the force

W = F × s

Quantity	Symbol	Unit
Work done	W	Joules (J)
Force	F	Newtons (N)
Distance	s	Metres (m)

Key Points