Work done by conservative forces

In summary, the work done by the conservative force is equal to the negative of the change in potential energy. This means that the change in potential energy cancels out and the work done by non-conservative forces plus the work done by conservative forces equals the change in kinetic energy. This is based on the definition of potential energy, and there is no issue with this definition. The change in kinetic energy is equal to the work done by all forces, which can also be represented using mathematical formulas.
  • #1
gracy
2,486
83
amount of work done by conservative force
=amount of decrement in potential energy
Is this correct?I think yes
Because I have been told that
Work done by non-conservative forces + work done by conservative forces = change in kinetic energy

but
Work done by non-conservative forces = change in potential energy + change in kinetic energy
so it implies

work done by conservative forces= negative of change in potential energy
So that change in potential energy cancels out and Work done by non-conservative forces + work done by conservative forces = change in kinetic energy.
 
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  • #2
Yes, the work done by the conservative force is equal to the negative of the change in potential energy. By definition of potential energy.
I don't understand your last sentence. But there is no problem with this definition.
The change in kinetic energy is equal to the work done by all forces. Maybe using math formulas instead of word "formulas" will help.
 

What is work done by conservative forces?

Work done by conservative forces is the amount of energy transferred to an object by conservative forces, such as gravity or electrostatic forces.

How is work done by conservative forces calculated?

The work done by conservative forces can be calculated by multiplying the applied force by the displacement of the object in the direction of the force.

What is the significance of work done by conservative forces?

The work done by conservative forces is important because it represents the transfer of energy from one form to another, and can be used to determine the potential energy of an object.

Can work done by conservative forces be negative?

Yes, the work done by conservative forces can be negative if the applied force and displacement are in opposite directions, indicating a transfer of energy away from the object.

How is work done by conservative forces related to the conservation of energy?

The work done by conservative forces is directly related to the conservation of energy, as it represents the change in potential energy of an object due to the work of conservative forces, which is conserved in a closed system.

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