Work and energy in rotating systems

Abstract

The way in which forces transform from an inertial reference frame to a non-inertial rotating frame is well studied in the literature. However, the treatment of the work-energy theorem in rotating systems is not considered in textbooks. In this paper, we show that the work-energy theorem can still be applied to a closed system of particles in a rotating reference frame, as long as the work of fictitious forces is properly included in the formalism. The Coriolis force does not contribute to the work coming from fictitious forces. It is remarkable that real forces that do no work in an inertial reference frame can do work in the rotating reference frame and vice versa.