A particle of mass m moves in a circle of radius r with constant speed v. What is the net work done by the centripetal force during one complete revolution?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 0 J

  1. Step 1: Work is W = F d cos(theta). Step 2. The centripetal force is always directed toward the center, perpendicular to the tangential displacement (theta = 90°). Step 3. cos(90°) = 0, so work done is identically zero. Kinetic energy remains constant throughout. Answer: 0 J. Why not the others: Centripetal force changes the direction of velocity, not its magnitude.

Practise more Mechanics, Rotational Dynamics and Fluids.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed ECAT Pakistan mock tests.