The force of gravity does no work on a hockey puck sliding across the ice into the goal because work is defined as the product of force and the displacement of an object in the direction of that force.
In this case, when the hockey puck is sliding, the force of gravity acts vertically downwards. However, the motion of the puck is horizontal since it is sliding across the ice into the goal. As a result, the displacement of the puck is perpendicular to the force of gravity.
Since work is only done when the force and the displacement are in the same direction, the force of gravity does not do any work on the puck during its horizontal motion. Therefore, the force of gravity does not contribute to the energy or movement of the puck as it slides into the goal.
Why does the force of gravity do no work on a hockey puck sliding across the ice into the goal?
Make sure to include the words force, gravity, work and motion in your audio response. You may want to prepare or pre-write your answer before you record your audio response.
1 answer