Question

Find the net work done by friction on the body of a snake slithering in a complete circle of radius. The coefficient of friction between the ground and the snake is 0.25, and the snake's weight is 56.0 N.

A. 590 J
B. 2900 J
C. 0 J
D. 290 J

Answer 1

C. 0 J

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object moves in a circle, friction provides the centripetal force. Hence, it is acting towards the centre of the circle. The displacement of the object is tangential to the circle at the point of interest. Hence, the angle between the frictional force and the displacement is 90°.

Work done is given by

W = Fd cos θ

where F is the force, d is the displacement and θ is the angle between them.

W = Fd cos 90° = 0 J

Hence, the work done by friction is 0 J.