Work is the transfer of energy through motion caused by a force acting over a distance. The amount of work done depends on the force applied and the distance over which it acts. Work can be calculated using the formula Work=force x distance. Conservation of energy states that the total mechanical energy in a system remains constant if no non-conservative forces act. If non-conservative forces are present, they may change the total energy by doing work which transfers energy into other forms like heat. Springs obey Hooke's law, such that the force applied by a spring is proportional to its displacement from its resting length.