Question #530ad
1 Answer
Apr 26, 2017
Work done = 0
Explanation:
In circular motion, the centripetal force exerted on an object always acts perpendicular to the direction of motion (tangential). The force acts radially inwards while movement is along the circumference.
Work done by a force is the product of the force and the distance moved in the direction of the force. Since there is no component of motion in the direction of the centripetal force, work done is zero.
An alternative way of viewing it is by considering the energy change of the girl in skates. Since the kinetic energy of the girl remains constant (her speed does not change), no work has been done on her throughout.
