Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

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

Chapter 7 - Think and Explain - Page 129-130: 74

Answer

Work is done when a force acts on something that moves in the direction in which the force is acting (page 110). When the car rolls on level ground, the direction of the gravitational force is perpendicular to the direction of motion. There is no force component in the direction of motion; the work done is zero. When the car rolls downhill (or uphill), the gravitational force has a component along the direction of motion; the work done by gravity is nonzero.
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.