Who this is for: Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science (0654) students who want work — the W = Fd equation and when work is done — to become a reliable source of marks instead of everyday-language confusion.
What query it owns: how to understand and revise work in Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science.
Why this is safe: this page owns the work revision-guide angle, while Tutopiya’s Work subtopic page owns the learning resource and the free Work quiz owns the practice.

In physics, work done means energy transferred when a force moves an object. Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science (0654) expects you to use W = F × d, state the unit joule (J), and know that work is only done when the force acts in the direction of movement. This guide separates physics “work” from everyday usage so you score on calculation questions.

Key takeaways

• Work done = force × distance moved in direction of force → W = F × d.
• Unit: joule (J); 1 J = 1 N × 1 m.
• Work is done only when the object moves in the direction of the force.
• No work done if the object does not move, or force is perpendicular to motion.
• Work done transfers energy from one store to another.

What is work in Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science?

When you push a box across a floor, you do work — you transfer energy to the box (and overcome friction). Holding a heavy bag stationary does not do work in the physics sense, because there is no movement. The force must have a component in the direction of displacement for work to be calculated using W = Fd.

You can read the full explanation, diagrams and notes on Tutopiya’s Work subtopic page before you attempt questions.

The work equation

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
W	Work done	joule (J)
F	Force applied	newton (N)
d	Distance moved in direction of force	metre (m)

Example: a 20 N force moves an object 5 m → W = 20 × 5 = 100 J.

When is work done — and when is it not?

Situation	Work done?	Reason
Push box 3 m with 10 N force	Yes	Force and movement in same direction
Hold bag stationary	No	No movement
Carry bag horizontally at constant height	No (by lifting force)	Force (upward) perpendicular to motion (horizontal)
Lift box 2 m with 50 N force	Yes	Force and movement both vertical

Work in past-paper wording: command words that matter

Command word / phrase	What the question wants	Typical work stem
Calculate	Use W = Fd	”Calculate the work done.”
Define	Give precise meaning	”Define work done.”
State the unit	Give SI unit	”State the unit of work done.”
Explain	Why work is or is not done	”Explain why no work is done when holding a weight.”

Worked exam-style stems (how to answer the wording)

1. “A force of 15 N moves an object 4 m. Calculate the work done.” W = F × d = 15 × 4 = 60 J. Mark-scheme reward: correct calculation and unit J.
2. “Define work done.” Energy transferred when a force moves an object (or force × distance in direction of force). Reward: energy transferred + force moves object.
3. “State the SI unit of work done.” Joule (J). Reward: joule or J.

Test yourself with the Work quiz once you can calculate work and explain when no work is done.

How work connects to the rest of Coordinated Science physics

Work builds on Forces and leads directly into Energy — work done transfers energy between stores. The Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science resource hub links every Work, Energy And Power subtopic.

Common mistakes students make

• Using everyday “work” (effort) instead of the physics definition (movement required).
• Calculating work when force is perpendicular to motion (W = 0).
• Forgetting to convert distance to metres.
• Confusing work (J) with power (W).
• Not stating that work done transfers energy.

When you need more support

If work questions keep costing marks, work through the Work quiz, then get focused help from a Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science tutor.

Frequently asked questions

Is work hard in Coordinated Science? One equation (W = Fd) and one rule (movement in direction of force) cover most questions.

What is the formula for work done? W = F × d — work equals force multiplied by distance moved in the direction of the force.

Is work done when you hold a weight still? No — there is no movement, so no work is done in the physics sense.

How do I revise work effectively? Practise W = Fd calculations, learn when work is zero, then take the Work quiz.

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