Work is defined as the product of force and displacement (Work = Force x Displacement) because it quantifies the energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance. This definition is fundamental and not arbitrary, as it reflects the relationship between force applied in a specific direction and the resulting energy change in a system. Various forms of work exist, such as pressure times volume change and torque times angle, illustrating the versatility of the concept across different physical contexts. The ability to convert work into other forms of energy, like heat, further emphasizes its significance in scientific applications. Overall, this definition serves as a crucial framework for understanding energy transfer in physics.