Which of the following types of force can do no work on the particle upon which it acts?
Correct answer: C. Centripetal force
- A. Frictional force
- B. Gravitational force
- C. Centripetal force
- D. Elastic force
Explanation
Option C is correct since centripetal force acts on an object in a circular path. It always acts towards the center of the circular path. Since the object does not cover a distance towards the center of the circular path, the work done by the centripetal force is zero. Option A is incorrect since the frictional force always acts against the motion of an object. The frictional force does negative work on the object since displacement is in the opposite direction to the frictional force and cos 180 becomes -1. Option B is incorrect since work done by the gravitational force is not zero. Option D is incorrect since work done by the elastic force is not zero.
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About Work
Work is done when a force produces displacement, with its value determined by the component of force along the displacement. The topic covers positive, negative and zero work, work by variable forces from force-displacement graphs, and the connection between net work and change in kinetic energy.
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