Energy · 01 / 05
Work & Energy Transfer
A force transfers energy through displacement only to the extent that the force points along the displacement.
The learner question
When does a force actually transfer energy?
The geometry matters. A perpendicular force can be large and still do zero work; an opposing force does negative work.
Core relationship
Work = parallel force component × displacement.
Transfer lab
Rotate the force relative to the displacement.
θ = 0°
displacement 4.0 m
force 12 N
parallel force
12.0 N
work
48.0 J
meaning
energy enters the motion
Force12 N
Displacement4.0 m
Angle0 °
Curated cases
Boundary
A support force can be real and large while doing zero work if the displacement is perpendicular to it.
Transfer check