Work is done when a force causes a displacement of an object.

Here's a breakdown of this definition:

* Force: A push or pull that can change the motion of an object.

* Displacement: The change in an object's position.

Important considerations:

* Direction matters: The force and displacement must be in the same direction for work to be done. If they are perpendicular, no work is done.

* Work is a scalar quantity: It has magnitude but no direction.

* Units of work: The standard unit of work is the joule (J), which is equal to one newton-meter (N·m).

Mathematical formula:

The work done by a constant force is calculated using the following formula:

W = F × d × cos(θ)

where:

* W is the work done

* F is the magnitude of the force

* d is the magnitude of the displacement

* θ is the angle between the force and displacement vectors

Examples:

* Lifting a box: You exert an upward force on a box, causing it to move upward. This is work because the force and displacement are in the same direction.

* Pushing a cart: You push a cart horizontally, causing it to move horizontally. This is work because the force and displacement are in the same direction.

* Holding a weight: You hold a weight stationary. Even though you are exerting a force, no work is done because the weight does not move (displacement is zero).

Understanding the operational definition of work in physics is essential for grasping concepts like energy, power, and conservation of energy.