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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.
Does Potential Energy Always Decrease with Conservative Force?
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In summary, the potential energy of a particle will always decrease in the direction of a conservative force acting on it. This is because potential energy is defined as the negative of the work done by a conservative force. In the case of an inverse square force, the potential energy function is U= -A/r + c, meaning that potential energy will increase in the direction opposite to the force.
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tiny-tim
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hi pratikaman! 
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
pratikaman said:
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
- #3
pratikaman
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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.
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tiny-tim
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no, U= -A/r + c
- #5
PJC01
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I can say that the statement "potential energy of a particle always decreases in the direction of conservative force acting on it" is not always true. While it is true that potential energy can decrease in the presence of a conservative force, it is not always the case.
Potential energy is a measure of the energy that a system possesses due to its position or configuration. In the context of conservative forces, potential energy is often associated with the force of gravity. In this case, as an object moves closer to the source of the gravitational force, its potential energy decreases. This is because the object is doing work against the force as it moves closer, and this work is converted into kinetic energy.
However, there are other types of conservative forces that do not follow this pattern. For example, in the case of a spring, the potential energy of the system increases as the spring is compressed. This is because the spring is storing energy in the form of potential energy, which can be released when the spring is allowed to expand.
In addition, potential energy can also remain constant in the presence of a conservative force. This occurs when the force is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the object. In this case, the force does not do any work on the object, and therefore there is no change in potential energy.
In conclusion, while it is true that potential energy can decrease in the presence of a conservative force, it is not always the case. The change in potential energy depends on the specific type and direction of the force, as well as the motion of the object.
Related to Does Potential Energy Always Decrease with Conservative Force?
1. What is potential energy change?
Potential energy change is the change in energy an object has due to its position or composition. It is often measured in joules (J).
2. How is potential energy change calculated?
Potential energy change can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where PE is potential energy, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height or distance from the reference point.
3. What factors affect potential energy change?
The factors that affect potential energy change include mass, height or distance from the reference point, and the force acting on the object.
4. How is potential energy change related to kinetic energy?
Potential energy and kinetic energy are two forms of energy that are related. When an object has potential energy due to its position, it has the potential to be converted into kinetic energy when it moves or falls.
5. What are some real-life examples of potential energy change?
Some real-life examples of potential energy change include a roller coaster at the top of a hill, a pendulum at the highest point of its swing, and a stretched spring. All of these objects have potential energy due to their position or composition, which can be converted to kinetic energy when they are released or allowed to move.
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