Learning Objective: Demonstrate that no work is done by the centripetal force in uniform circular motion because force and displacement are always perpendicular.
Work in Circular Motion
Force (centripetal) ⟂ Displacement (tangent)
W = F · d · cos(90°) = 0
The angle between force and displacement is always 90°
Work done: 0 J
0 J
Revolutions completed: 0
0%
Watch the animation: the force vector (red) always points toward the centre, while displacement (blue) is always tangential. They remain perpendicular at every instant.
Status: Paused
Uniform Circular Motion
→ Red = Centripetal force (toward centre)
→ Blue = Velocity/displacement (tangent)
After one revolution: KE unchanged — speed is constant! No work means no change in kinetic energy.