Does Potential Energy Always Decrease with Conservative Force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that potential energy decreases in the direction of a conservative force, as defined by the work done by the force. When displacement occurs in the direction of the force, the work is positive, resulting in a negative potential energy difference. However, the conversation highlights an exception with inverse square forces, where the potential energy function is given by U = -A/r + c, indicating that potential energy can increase in the direction of the force under specific conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservative forces in physics
  • Familiarity with potential energy concepts
  • Knowledge of work-energy principles
  • Basic grasp of inverse square laws
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of potential energy functions for various forces
  • Explore the implications of conservative versus non-conservative forces
  • Investigate the characteristics of inverse square forces in detail
  • Learn about the applications of potential energy in mechanical systems
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Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of energy conservation and force interactions.

pratikaman
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is it true that potential energy of a particle always decreases in the direction of conservative force acting on it.
 
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hi pratikaman! :smile:
pratikaman said:
is it true that potential energy of a particle always decreases in the direction of conservative force acting on it.

potential energy is defined as minus the work done by a conservative force

so yes, if your displacement is in the direction of the force, the work done is positive, and so the potential energy difference is negative :wink:
 
ok take a inverse square force like A/r^2 always pointing towards origin. where 'A' is some constant and 'r' is distance from origin of force. then potential energy function for this is U= A/r + c . where c is arbitrary constant. then potential in this case increases in direction of force.
 
no, U= -A/r + c :wink:
 

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