Consider a motion in which a particle goes from A $\to$ B along path 1 and from B back to A along path 2, as shown. W(AB, 1) = work in going from A $\to$ B along path 1. W(BA, 2) = work in going from B $\to$ A along path 2. If only conservative forces are acting, then A) W(AB, 1) W(BA, 2) B) W(AB, 1) 0 D) W(AB, 1) + W(BA, 2)

Question

Consider a motion in which a particle goes from A $\to$ B along path 1 and from B back to A along path 2, as shown. W(AB, 1) = work in going from A $\to$ B along path 1. W(BA, 2) = work in going from B $\to$ A along path 2. If only conservative forces are acting, then A) W(AB, 1) > W(BA, 2) B) W(AB, 1) < W(BA, 2) C) W(AB, 1) + W(BA, 2) > 0 D) W(AB, 1) + W(BA, 2) < 0 E) W(AB, 1) + W(BA, 2) = 0

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If only conservative forces are acting, then the work done along a closed path will be zero. In this case, the particle goes from A to B along path 1 and returns back from B to A along path 2, which is a closed path. Thus, the net work done will be zero, i.e., W(AB,1) + W(BA,2) = 0.

Consider a Motion in Which a Particle Goes from A \to