Understanding the Relationship Between Net Work and Particle Speed"

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SUMMARY

When the net work done on a particle is zero, its speed remains constant. This conclusion arises from the principle that the work-energy theorem states that the work done is equal to the change in kinetic energy. In scenarios where a particle moves in a circular path, while its speed at the beginning and end of the path remains unchanged, the kinetic energy may vary at different points along the path due to changes in direction, but the net work being zero ensures that the overall speed does not change.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the work-energy theorem
  • Familiarity with kinetic and potential energy concepts
  • Basic knowledge of particle motion in physics
  • Concept of circular motion and its implications on speed
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and speed
  • Investigate the effects of circular motion on energy conservation
  • Learn about the implications of net work in different physical systems
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Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of motion and energy conservation.

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Homework Statement


If the net work done on a particle is zero, what can be said about its speed. And why?



The Attempt at a Solution


is the speed also zero?
 
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actually i think its speed be constant? cause no work is being applied.
 
The work done in a system is the sum of the kinetic and potential energy of the system. In the case of a particle in a field, we'll consider the particle as the system and the work done by a field as an external influence on the particle.

As such, if the work done by the field is zero, the final kinetic energy of the particle is constant. That means, if over the course of time, the particle is made to follow a circular path, at the beginning and the end of that path, the kinetic energy and thus the speed will be the same. However, during the course of the path, i.e. in the middle of the circle, the kinetic energy may vary.
 

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