Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 7 - Think and Discuss - Page 130-131: 109

Answer

Your discussion partner is confused about "work being done" and "net work being done".

Work Step by Step

In pushing a block along a table at constant speed, your hand ("engine") does positive work, and friction does negative work. "Work is done", but the net/total work done is zero because the KE of the block stays the same. This is similar to saying that the net force (which is zero) does no work.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.