If the net work done on a body is zero, what can be said about its velocity?

If the net work done on a body is zero, what can be said about its velocity?

• A. The body will speed up
• B. The body will reverse direction
• C. The body will experience no change of speed
• D. The body will stop

Answer: (C)

When the net work done on a body is zero, it indicates that there is no change in the kinetic energy of that body, as per the work-energy principle. Kinetic energy and work are directly related, meaning that if no work is performed on the body, its velocity must remain constant. This could either mean the body is moving at a constant velocity or is at rest. Since the net work done is zero, the body does not experience any acceleration; hence, its speed does not increase or decrease. Therefore, the correct understanding is that the body experiences no change in speed. Consequently, it either continues to move at the same speed in the same direction or remains stationary if it was initially at rest.

When the net work done on a body is zero, it indicates that there is no change in the kinetic energy of that body, as per the work-energy principle. Kinetic energy and work are directly related, meaning that if no work is performed on the body, its velocity must remain constant. This could either mean the body is moving at a constant velocity or is at rest.

Since the net work done is zero, the body does not experience any acceleration; hence, its speed does not increase or decrease. Therefore, the correct understanding is that the body experiences no change in speed. Consequently, it either continues to move at the same speed in the same direction or remains stationary if it was initially at rest.