A block slides on a smooth fixed curved track under gravity and remains in contact with the track. Which statements are correct?
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Question

A block slides on a smooth fixed curved track under gravity and remains in contact with the track. Which statements are correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

The normal force is perpendicular to instantaneous displacement on a fixed smooth track, so it does no work, though it can change velocity direction. Gravity is conservative, so mechanical energy is conserved and speed depends only on height change.