For a body moving in a circular path, the work done by the centripetal force is:

Explanation

Option d) Zero is the correct option. The work done by the centripetal force on a body moving in a circular path is zero. Let's explain each option: a) Negative: If the work done by a force on an object is negative, it means that the force is acting in the opposite direction of the displacement of the object. In the case of a centripetal force acting on a body moving in a circular path, the force is directed towards the center of the circle, while the displacement is tangential to the circle. Since the centripetal force is always perpendicular to the displacement, the work done by the centripetal force is not negative. b) Constant: If the work done by a force on an object is constant, it means that the force and the displacement are always parallel to each other, and the magnitude of the force and displacement remain constant throughout the motion. For a body moving in a circular path, the centripetal force is continuously changing direction to keep the object moving in a circle, so its direction is not always parallel to the displacement. Therefore, the work done by the centripetal force is not constant. c) Positive: If the work done by a force on an object is positive, it means that the force and the displacement are in the same direction. However, for a body moving in a circular path, the centripetal force is always directed towards the center of the circle, which is perpendicular to the displacement of the object. Hence, the work done by the centripetal force is not positive. d) Zero: This is the correct option. The centripetal force is responsible for keeping the body moving in a circular path by continuously changing the direction of its velocity. Since the centripetal force and the displacement are always perpendicular to each other, the work done by the centripetal force is zero. In other words, the centripetal force does not transfer any energy to or from the object, but it changes the direction of the velocity to keep the circular motion. In conclusion, the correct option is d) Zero because the work done by the centripetal force on a body moving in a circular path is zero.