A conservative force, like gravity, can change the direction of a body's motion without doing net work if the body returns to its initial position, resulting in no net distance moved.

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A Conservative Force

Question 26

Multiple Choice

A conservative force

A) may do net work on a body that moves no net distance during the application of the force.
B) may change the speed of a body that moves no net distance during the application of the force.
C) may do net work on a body undergoing motion confined to a direction perpendicular to the direction of the force.
D) may change the direction of motion of a body that moves no net distance during the application of the force.

Correct Answer: