What constitutes work according to physics?

Work in physics is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance over which that force is applied, particularly when the force causes the object to move in the direction of the force. When you lift or drag an object, you are applying a force over a distance, thus doing work. The mathematical expression for work is given by the equation ( W = F \cdot d \cdot \cos(\theta) ), where ( W ) is the work done, ( F ) is the force applied, ( d ) is the distance moved, and ( \theta ) is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.

In lifting an object upwards against gravity, you apply a force equivalent to the weight of the object for a certain distance, thus doing positive work on the object. Similarly, when dragging an object across a surface, as long as there is a component of the applied force in the direction of the movement, work is being done.

The other options describe forms or states of energy rather than processes involving movement. Energy stored in a spring is potential energy and does not involve movement directly unless the spring is compressed or stretched. The energy of a stationary object is simply its potential