Work (W) = Force (F) × Displacement (d) × cos(θ)
Where θ is the angle between the force and displacement vectors.
Work can be negative when the force and displacement are in opposite directions. This means that the force is acting to oppose the motion of the object.
Here are some examples:
* Friction: When an object slides across a surface, friction acts in the opposite direction of the object's motion. The work done by friction is negative because it reduces the object's kinetic energy.
* Gravity: When an object is lifted upwards, the force of gravity acts downwards, opposing the motion. The work done by gravity is negative because it decreases the object's potential energy.
* Braking: When a car applies its brakes, the force of friction from the brakes acts in the opposite direction of the car's motion. This negative work reduces the car's kinetic energy and brings it to a stop.
Key takeaways:
* Work is negative when the force and displacement are in opposite directions.
* Negative work means that energy is being removed from the object.
* Common examples of negative work include friction, gravity opposing upward motion, and braking.
It's important to remember that the sign of work is simply a way of indicating the direction of energy transfer. Negative work doesn't mean that "no work is done." It simply means that the work done is reducing the object's energy.
