Understanding Work

Work is done when a force causes an object to move a certain distance. The formula for work is:

* Work (W) = Force (F) x Distance (d)

Units

* Force: We're given the force in pounds (lb).

* Distance: We're given the distance in inches (in).

* Work: The standard unit for work is the foot-pound (ft-lb). We'll need to convert inches to feet.

Calculations

1. Convert distance to feet: 10 inches / 12 inches/foot = 0.833 feet

2. Calculate work: W = 15 lb * 0.833 ft = 12.5 ft-lb

Answer: The piston does 12.5 ft-lb of work.