Blast Through the ASVAB General Science Challenge 2026 – Unlock Your Science Superpowers!

The unit that measures work is the Joule. Work is defined in physics as the process of energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved over a distance by an external force. The mathematical definition of work is the product of force and the distance moved in the direction of the force. In this context, one Joule is defined as the amount of work done when a force of one Newton displaces an object by one meter in the direction of the applied force.

This means that when you exert a force and cause movement, the energy expended in moving that object is quantified in Joules. Understanding this concept is crucial in physics and engineering, as it relates to energy efficiency and the performance of machines and systems. Other units mentioned, such as Newton, Watt, and Pascal, pertain to force, power, and pressure, respectively, and do not specifically measure work.