What is defined as the product of force applied to an object and the distance it moves in the direction of that force?

The correct answer is work. In physics, work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance that object moves in the direction of that force. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as:

Work = Force × Distance × cos(θ)

where θ is the angle between the force applied and the direction of the motion. When the force is applied in the same direction as the movement (meaning θ is 0 degrees), the formula simplifies to Work = Force × Distance.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it helps to quantify how much energy is transferred when a force causes an object to move. Work is a scalar quantity and is measured in joules in the International System of Units (SI). In practical terms, if you push a box across a floor, the work done is calculated by looking at how much force you applied and how far the box traveled in the direction that force was applied.

The other options represent different, but related, concepts. Energy refers to the capacity to do work. Power is the rate at which work is done or the amount of work done per unit of time. Force is simply the push or pull acting on an object but does not itself describe the movement or energy expended without considering distance.