A 35-N bucket of water is lifted vertically 3.0 m and then returned to its original position. How much work did gravity do on the bucket during this process?
A) 0 J
B) 180 J
C) 45 J
D) 90 J
E) 900 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by gravity is zero because the displacement of the bucket in the vertical direction is zero over the entire cycle (up and then down). Work is calculated as the force times the displacement in the direction of the force, and since the overall displacement is zero, the work done by gravity is also zero.

A 35-N Bucket of Water Is Lifted Vertically 3