Question

What will be the work done when force is applied at an angle? Explain with appropriate diagram.

Answer 1

When a force is applied at an angle, the full force does not move the object. Instead, the force splits into two components:

• Horizontal component (F cos θ): Acts in the direction of displacement. It is entirely responsible for doing work.
• Vertical Component (F sin θ): Acts perpendicular (90°) to the displacement. It does zero work.

The formula for work done under this condition is:

W = Component of force along displacement × Displacement

= (F cos θ) × s

= F . s . cos θ

• F = Magnitude of applied force
• s = Magnitude of displacement
• θ = Angle between force and displacement vectors