Explore the Work & Energy Simulator
Pull a block at an angle across a rough floor and compare work by the pull, friction and net work. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Work & Energy Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Work & Energy Simulator?
Pull a block at an angle across a rough floor and compare work by the pull, friction and net work. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Engineers use work and energy to size motors, brakes, cranes and conveyor belts.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Work = F × d × cos θ.
Friction does negative work and removes energy.
Net work equals the change in kinetic energy (work-energy theorem).
Set the angle to 0° and compare with 45°.
Set friction to 0 and see all the work become kinetic energy.
Find the smallest force that starts the block moving.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Work & Energy Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Set friction to 0 and see all the work become kinetic energy. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the work-energy theorem?
The net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy.
Why does the angle matter?
Only the part of the force along the motion does work, F cos θ.
Is the Work & Energy Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Work & Energy Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Work & Energy Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Work & Energy Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Work & Energy Simulator?
1. In the Work & Energy Simulator, use the controls to change Pull force, Pull angle, Floor friction (μ), Block mass. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Work & Energy Simulator, press "Push (10 m)", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Set the angle to 0° and compare with 45°. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Work & Energy Simulator responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Work = F × d × cos θ.
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Try the Work & Energy Simulator now
Pull a block at an angle across a rough floor and compare work by the pull, friction and. Free to use.
Try it free