Work is defined as the product of force and the distance over which the force is applied, in the direction of the force. The formula for work is:
\[ \text{Work} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance} \times \cos(\theta) \]
where:
- Work is measured in joules (J),
- Force is measured in newtons (N),
- Distance is measured in meters (m),
- \(\theta\) is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.
In this scenario, the person applies a force of 500 N against the wall, but the wall does not move at all. Therefore, the distance moved by the wall is 0 meters.
Since the distance is 0, the work done is:
\[ \text{Work} = 500 , \text{N} \times 0 , \text{m} \times \cos(0^\circ) = 0 , \text{J} \]
Thus, the answer is:
0 joules.