In introductory physics, the product of a force acting over a displacement is the definition of which quantity?

• A. Momentum
• B. Power
• C. Kinetic energy
• D. Work

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of work in physics: Work is done when a force causes a displacement of an object in the direction of the force.
2. Express this mathematically as \(Work = Force \times Displacement \times \cos(\theta)\), where \(\theta\) is the angle between the force and displacement vectors.
3. Understand that momentum is defined as \(Momentum = mass \times velocity\), which is different from work.
4. Recognize that power is the rate at which work is done, given by \(Power = \frac{Work}{Time}\), so it is related but not the same as work.
5. Note that kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, given by \(KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\), which is also different from the direct product of force and displacement.