---
title: "A uniform solid disk of mass \\(M\\) and radius \\(R\\) is pulled across a horizontal floor by a constant horizontal force \\(F\\) applied at its central axle, causing the disk to roll without slipping. Which of the following statements correctly describes the net work done by static friction on the disk as its center of mass moves a distance \\(D\\), and provides the correct physical justification?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/120895/"
date_modified: "2026-08-23T04:44:11+00:00"
---

# A uniform solid disk of mass \(M\) and radius \(R\) is pulled across a horizontal floor by a constant horizontal force \(F\) applied at its central axle, causing the disk to roll without slipping. Which of the following statements correctly describes the net work done by static friction on the disk as its center of mass moves a distance \(D\), and provides the correct physical justification?

A uniform solid disk of mass \(M\) and radius \(R\) is pulled across a horizontal floor by a constant horizontal force \(F\) applied at its central axle, causing the disk to roll without slipping. Which of the following statements correctly describes the net work done by static friction on the disk as its center of mass moves a distance \(D\), and provides the correct physical justification?

![A side-view diagram showing a circular disk of radius \(R\) resting on a horizontal surface represented by a solid horizontal line with diagonal hatching underneath. A dot marks the center of the disk. A horizontal arrow pointing to the right originates at the central dot and is labeled \(F\). A curved arrow near the top of the disk indicates clockwise rotation. The contact point between the bottom of the disk and the horizontal line is shown with no gap. No other labels, lines, text, or axes appear.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1787460251-K3oSfU.jpg)

- **A.** The net work done by static friction is negative because static friction opposes the linear displacement of the center of mass, dissipating mechanical energy as thermal energy.
- **B.** The net work done by static friction is positive because the torque exerted by static friction increases the rotational kinetic energy of the disk.
- **C.** The net work done by static friction is zero because the negative translational work done by static friction is equal in magnitude to the positive rotational work done by its torque.
- **D.** The net work done by static friction is equal to \(-\dfrac{1}{3}FD\) because static friction has a magnitude of \(\dfrac{1}{3}F\) and acts in the direction opposite to the center-of-mass displacement.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/120895/*