Work is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance the object moves in the direction of the force. In the specific case of foot-pounds, which is a unit of work in the Imperial system, the force is measured in pounds and the distance is measured in feet. For example, lifting a 10-pound weight a vertical distance of 2 feet requires 20 foot-pounds of work.
This calculation is fundamental in physics and engineering, offering a quantifiable measure of energy transfer. Understanding this principle is critical for designing machines, analyzing structural integrity, and predicting the behavior of physical systems. Historically, the concept of quantifying work arose from the need to understand the efficiency of early machines like levers and pulleys, eventually evolving into a cornerstone of modern physics.