Final answer:
Yes, the total work done on an object during a displacement can be negative when the direction of the force is opposite to the direction of displacement, resulting in a reduction of the object's kinetic energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total work done on an object during a displacement can indeed be negative. For a force on an object to do work, the object must be displaced in some manner. If the force and the displacement are in the same direction, the work done is positive. However, if the force and the displacement are in opposite directions, the work done on the object is negative.
For instance, when a box slides across the floor and comes to a stop due to friction, the force of friction is opposite to the motion, and thus the work done by friction is negative. This negative work leads to a decrease in the kinetic energy of the box.
This observation is consistent with the Work-Energy Theorem, which states that the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In the case of the stopping box, the kinetic energy is being reduced, showing that negative work is done on it.