Q174 / 180 · COMEDK 2019 · Physics

When a body moves in a circular path, no work is done by the force since

  • A
    there is no displacement
  • B
    there is no net force
  • Correct answer
    C
    force and displacement are perpendicular to each other
  • D
    the force is always away from the centre

Solution

The work done by a force in moving a body is $$ W=\underline{F} \cdot \mathbf{S} $$ where, $s$ is the displacement vector. In circular path, the force is centripetal, thus always acting towards the centre along the radial direction. However, the displacement is always along tangent to the circle at the instantaneous position of object. Hence, $\theta=90^{\circ}$ Thus, $\quad W=\mathbf{F} \cdot \mathrm{s}=F s \cos 90^{\circ}=0$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

More Work Power Energy Questions