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Positive vs Negative Work

Key Concepts — Positive vs Negative Work

01

W = F·d cosθ. Sign depends entirely on the angle between force and displacement.

02

θ = 0° → +W (force aids motion). θ = 180° → −W (force opposes motion, e.g. friction).

03

θ = 90° → W = 0 (centripetal force, normal force on a horizontal floor — perpendicular).