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ASVAB · Work, Energy, and Power

In physics, when is mechanical work done on an object?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

When a force causes an object to move in the direction of the force

  1. A Whenever a force is applied, even if nothing moves
  2. B When a force causes an object to move in the direction of the force
  3. C Only when an object speeds up
  4. D Only when an object is lifted

Why this is the answer

In physics, work is done when a force causes an object to move in the direction of that force; work equals force multiplied by the distance moved in the force's direction (W = F × d). If you push on a wall and it doesn't move, you exert force but do no mechanical work because there is no displacement. Lifting a box, pushing a cart, or pulling a rope all involve work because the object moves in the direction of the applied force. Understanding that work requires both a force and movement in that force's direction is a key work-and-energy concept.
Source: ASVAB MC, Work

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About this topic: Work, Energy, and Power

Work, energy and power questions cover work (force × distance), kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, and power (work ÷ time), with units of joules and watts. Lifting, dropping and rolling objects are the standard scenarios. This is one of 7 Mechanical Comprehension questions on work, energy, and power, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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