What is SI unit for work?

The SI unit for work is the joule (J).

Understanding the Joule

The joule is a derived unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). Here's a breakdown:

• Definition: The joule is defined as the work done by a force of one newton causing a displacement of one meter in the direction of the force.

• Formula: Work (W) = Force (F) x Distance (d), where:

  • Work is measured in joules (J).
  • Force is measured in newtons (N).
  • Distance is measured in meters (m).

• Reference: According to the provided reference, the SI unit of work is joule (J). Joule is defined as the work done by a force of one newton causing a displacement of one meter.

Other Units for Work

While the joule is the standard SI unit, sometimes you might see work expressed in other units:

• Newton-metre (N⋅m): This unit is dimensionally equivalent to the joule. While often used interchangeably, newton-metre is more correctly used for torque, while joule is preferred for work and energy. The reference specifies that "newton-metre (N-m) is also used for measuring work."

Examples of Work

• Lifting a 1 kg object by 1 meter requires approximately 9.8 joules of work (since the force due to gravity is approximately 9.8 N).
• Pushing a box across a floor with a force of 10 N over a distance of 2 meters requires 20 joules of work.

Table Summarizing the SI Unit of Work