The discussion revolves around calculating the work done by a radial force as a particle moves along a circular path. The problem involves understanding the relationship between the direction of the force and the motion of the particle.
Participants are exploring the implications of the radial force being perpendicular to the direction of motion. There is an ongoing examination of how this affects the work done, with hints provided to guide understanding without reaching a consensus.
There is a suggestion that the work done by the radial force may be zero due to its perpendicular relationship with the particle's instantaneous direction. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the definitions and implications of radial versus tangential forces.
rock.freak667 said:Hint: the force is radial, but which direction is the particle at ? (radial, tangential or other)
dinhjeffrey said:tangential, oh so the work done would be by the tangential force, not the radial force?