Energy - Positive and Negative Work

Question 1

+W

Answer 1

• when a force pulls an object along its direction of motion, it does positive work on it; it helps cause the motion; it adds to the motion

Question 2

-W

Answer 2

• when a force F pulls backward against the direction of motion, it does negative work on the object. It hinders the motion; it takes away from motion

Question 3

W=0

Answer 3

• If a force F pulls perpendicular to the motion, it doesn’t help or hinder it. It does not work on the object at all