Energy and work
2 marks · NormalExplain why no work is done when a person tries to push a wall but the wall does not move.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
No work is done because the wall does not move, so the distance moved in the direction of the force is zero.
Also accept: No movement of the object means no work is done.
Common mistakes: Saying no force is applied.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions object does not move OR distance = 0
B1 · 1 mark · Relates zero movement to zero work using work formula
Worked solution
Work is only done when a force moves an object through a distance. Here, the wall does not move, so distance is 0. Therefore, work done is 0.