In physics, how is work defined?

Work in physics is defined as the product of force applied to an object and the distance over which that force is exerted in the direction of the force. This relationship can be mathematically expressed as work = force × distance. When a force acts on an object and causes it to move, work is done on that object. The key aspect of this definition is that the force must cause movement in the direction of the force; otherwise, no work is performed, even if a force is applied.

For instance, if you push a box across the floor, the work done is calculated based on the amount of force you exert on the box and how far you move it. If there is no movement (the box does not budge), no work has been done, highlighting the critical relationship between the three components: force, distance, and direction.

The other options, while they contain elements related to physics, do not accurately define work. Energy transferred over time refers more closely to power, which is work done per unit of time. Power multiplied by time can represent work, but it's not a direct definition of what work itself is. Lastly, force multiplied by velocity does not conform to the definition of work; instead, it yields a quantity related to power