How can work be calculated in a physics context?

In physics, work is defined as the process of energy transfer that occurs when a force is applied over a distance. The formula for calculating work is the product of the force applied to an object and the distance the object moves in the direction of that force. This relationship is expressed mathematically as:

Work = Force x Displacement

This means that for work to be done, not only must a force be applied, but there must also be displacement of the object in the direction of the force. The concept highlights the importance of both the magnitude of the force and the distance over which it acts.

In this context, the other options do not accurately describe how work is calculated: multiplying distance and time relates to speed or velocity; multiplying mass and velocity pertains to momentum; and adding potential and kinetic energy refers to the conservation of total mechanical energy, but doesn’t pertain to calculating work directly. Thus, multiplying force by displacement is the correct way to calculate work in physics.