A 0.35 kg ball is being whirled around at constant speed in a conical pendulum at the end 1. of a 1.0 m string. Explain why the tension in the string does zero work on the ball.

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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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1. A 0.35 kg ball is being whirled around at constant speed in a conical pendulum at the end of a 1.0 m string. Explain why the tension in the string does zero work on the ball.

**Diagram Explanation:**
The diagram illustrates a conical pendulum setup. A ball is attached to a string, creating an angle as it moves in a horizontal circular path. The string is connected to a fixed point above, forming a conical shape as the ball moves. The path of the ball is a circle, depicted by a purple dotted line, indicating the motion in a horizontal plane. The force of tension acts along the string, towards the pivot point, illustrating the direction of the force applied. The center of this circle aligns with the vertical line representing the gravitational force acting downward. 

**Concept Explanation:**
The tension in the string does zero work on the ball because work is defined as the force applied in the direction of the displacement. Here, the tension force is always perpendicular to the velocity of the ball since it moves in a circular path. Because these forces are perpendicular, no work is done by the tension on the moving ball.
Transcribed Image Text:1. A 0.35 kg ball is being whirled around at constant speed in a conical pendulum at the end of a 1.0 m string. Explain why the tension in the string does zero work on the ball. **Diagram Explanation:** The diagram illustrates a conical pendulum setup. A ball is attached to a string, creating an angle as it moves in a horizontal circular path. The string is connected to a fixed point above, forming a conical shape as the ball moves. The path of the ball is a circle, depicted by a purple dotted line, indicating the motion in a horizontal plane. The force of tension acts along the string, towards the pivot point, illustrating the direction of the force applied. The center of this circle aligns with the vertical line representing the gravitational force acting downward. **Concept Explanation:** The tension in the string does zero work on the ball because work is defined as the force applied in the direction of the displacement. Here, the tension force is always perpendicular to the velocity of the ball since it moves in a circular path. Because these forces are perpendicular, no work is done by the tension on the moving ball.
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