Work done by a force is zero when the angle between the force and the displacement is

  • A. 0 degrees
  • B. 45 degrees
  • C. 90 degrees
  • D. 180 degrees

Explanation

Work is the scalar product Fd cos theta, and cos 90 degrees is zero, so a force perpendicular to the displacement does no work. This is why the centripetal force in uniform circular motion does no work and the speed stays constant. At 180 degrees the work is negative rather than zero, as with friction.

Related questions