What is defined as the product of force exerted on an object and the distance moved in the direction of that force?

The concept being described is work, which is defined as the product of the force exerted on an object and the distance that the object moves in the direction of that force. In physics, work is calculated using the formula:

[ \text{Work} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance} \times \cos(\theta) ]

where (\theta) is the angle between the force and the direction of motion. If the force and the motion are in the same direction, then (\cos(\theta)) is equal to 1, simplifying the formula to just force times distance.

This definition highlights that work requires both a force to be applied and a distance over which that force acts. If either the force or the distance is zero, then no work is done. Understanding this concept is fundamental in mechanics, as it relates directly to energy transfer and can help explain how various physical systems operate.

In contrast, power relates specifically to the rate at which work is done over time, energy refers to the capacity to do work, and momentum is the quantity of motion an object has, which is dependent on both its mass and velocity. These distinctions clarify the unique nature of work in the context of physics.