Work done by a constant force

Learning objectives

To define the mechanical work done by a constant force along different paths ;
To illustrate the angles needed to get positive, null, or negative work.

We compute the work done by a constant force when a 500 kg mass moves along different paths.
Energy (work) is a scalar quantity. It can be positive, negative or zero. The convention adopted here describes driving work when its value is positive and resistant work when its value is negative.
You will also see that the work done by a constant force is the same between two points, whatever the path you move along.