Does Standing on a Cliff-Top Decrease Force but Increase Energy?

In summary, standing on a cliff-top leads to a decrease in force due to Newton's Law of Gravity, but an increase in Gravitational Potential Energy. However, the decrease in force is not equal to the increase in energy, as they are two different entities with different units and properties.
  • #1
Beanyboy
83
20
If I'm standing on a cliff-top, according to Newton's Law of Gravity I exert less force than I would at sea-level. However, it seems I've increased my Gravitational Potential Energy. So, is the reduction in force equal and opposite to the increase in energy?
 
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  • #2
Beanyboy said:
If I'm standing on a cliff-top, according to Newton's Law of Gravity I exert less force than I would at sea-level. However, it seems I've increased my Gravitational Potential Energy. So, is the reduction in force equal and opposite to the increase in energy?
Nope. Energy and force are two different entities and have different units. The change in potential energy is related but not equal to the change in force. Besides, force has direction (is a vector) but energy does not (is a scalar).
 
  • #3
Many thanks. I now feel a wee bit less stupid.
 

Related to Does Standing on a Cliff-Top Decrease Force but Increase Energy?

What is force and energy proportionality?

Force and energy proportionality is a concept in physics that states that the amount of force applied to an object is directly proportional to the change in energy of that object. This means that the greater the force applied, the greater the change in energy.

How is force and energy proportionality calculated?

Force and energy proportionality can be calculated using the formula F=kx, where F is the force applied, k is the proportionality constant, and x is the change in energy.

What is the relationship between force and energy?

The relationship between force and energy is that force is required to change the energy of an object. Force is also a measure of how much work is being done on an object, which is directly related to the energy of that object.

What factors can affect force and energy proportionality?

Factors that can affect force and energy proportionality include the type of force being applied, the distance over which the force is applied, and the properties of the object being acted upon.

How is force and energy proportionality used in real-world applications?

Force and energy proportionality can be used in various real-world applications, such as in engineering to design structures that can withstand certain forces, in sports to improve performance, and in the study of motion and mechanics.

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