Potential Energy & Conservation

Conservative force

A force that conserves the ability of an object to do work

The mechanical energy of a conservative force

Remains the same

Some examples of Conservative forces

spring force, gravity

What are the three characteristics of a conservative force

After a round trip, the kinetic energy returns to its initial value The work done is zero after a round trip the work done is independent from the path taken

Potential Energy

Eneergy associated with the configuration of a system of objects that exert forces on each other

Potential Energy depends on ….

Position

If the conservative work is Positive ….

Potential energy decreases (-w)

Potential energt tracks…..

the opposite of the work done by conservative forces

In Potential energy, total mechanical energy …

Remains unchanged

Why does the reference point of the ground not matter in GPE

Change is independent from reference point

State the law of conservation of energy

The total energy of a closed isolated system remains unchanged

State the law of conservation of mechanical energy …

Whenever no non-conservstive forces act within a closed system of objects the total mechanical energy remains the same

If it is not …. then it is not conservative

Spring Force, gravity

What is the equation when findinf friction

Ei=Ef+Fkx