What is the formula for work?

The correct formula for work is given by the relationship that involves force, distance, and the direction of the force applied. Specifically, work is calculated as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance over which that force is applied in the direction of the force. Therefore, the formula is discussed as:

Work = Force × Distance (parallel)

This means that only the component of the force that acts in the same direction as the movement contributes to the work done. If the force is applied at an angle, only the parallel portion of the force along the direction of movement matters, which reinforces why measuring work in this context is essential.

Choosing the option that states work as the product of force and distance (parallel) captures this important nuance about directionality in physics, ensuring that the calculation of work reflects the correct application of force over a distance in the same direction. This is why the correct answer accurately reflects the principle of work in physics.