A gravitational field is present in a region and a mass is shifted from A to B through different paths as shown. If W1, W2 and W3 represent the work done by the gravitational force along the respective paths, then : [figure]
- W1 < W2 < W3
- W1 = W2 = W3
- W1 > W2 > W3
- W1 > W3 > W2
Answer
(2) W1 = W2 = W3
Solution
Gravitational force is a conservative force.
Work done by it depends only on the initial and final positions, not on the path followed:
W = -(UB - UA) for every path
W1 = W2 = W3
Answer: (2)