Question

As a simple pendulum swings back and forth, the forces acting on the suspended object are the force of gravity, the tension in the supporting cord, and air resistance. Determine which forces will do work, and explain why or why not.

Answer 1

Answer:

Tension: No, Force of Gravity and Air Resistance: Yes.

Explanation:

The air resistance and the correspondent component of the force of gravity will do work since both they are parallel/antiparallel to the direction of motion. Tension will not do work, since its perpendicular to the direction of motion.