Question

The potential energy of a system increases if work is done

• A. upon the system by a nonconservative force
• B. by the system against a conservative force
• C. by the system against a non conservative force
• D. upon the system by a conservative force

Hint:

Potential energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its position

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The correct answer is Option B) by the system against a conservative force

Potential energy will increase when work is done by the system against a conservative force.

-U = W_{conservative force}

Discover More From Chapter: Work, Energy and Power

 

Answer 2

The correct answer is Option B) by the system against a conservative force

Real Life Applications

When you lift a weight, you are doing work against the force of gravity. This work increases the potential energy of the weight, which is stored as gravitational potential energy. 

1) When a spring is streched, you are doing work against the elastic force of the spring. This work increases the potential energy of the spring, which is stored as elastic potential energy. 
2) While charging a battery, you are doing work against the electrostatic force of the electrons. This work increases the potential energy of the electrons, which is stored as electrical potential energy. 

In all of these cases, the work done by the system against a conservative force increases the potential energy of the system. This potential energy can then be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, heat, or light. 

- The potential energy of the person increases as they climb the hill, because they are doing work against the force of gravity. 
- The potential energy of the ball decreases as it rolls down the hill, because the work done by gravity is converted into kinetic energy. 

In all of these cases, the potential energy of the system increases or decreases depending on whether the work done by the system is against or with the conservative force.

Question can also be asked as

1. What happens to the potential energy of a system if work is done by the system against a conservative force?
2. What is the relationship between work, potential energy, and conservative forces?
3. How can you increase the potential energy of a system?

Answer 3

The correct answer is Option B) by the system against a conservative force

Potential energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its position. The relationship between potential energy and work is influenced by the presence of conservative forces. 

Work and Energy Transfer

• Work is the transfer of energy that occurs when a force acts on an object, causing it to move.
• Work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the displacement it undergoes.

Conservative Forces

• Conservative forces are forces that do not depend on the path taken but only on the initial and final positions of an object.
• Examples of conservative forces include gravity and elastic forces.

Relationship Between Potential Energy and Work

• When a system is acted upon by a conservative force, work done against that force can increase potential energy.
• If the system is displaced in a direction opposite to the conservative force, work is done by the system against the force.

Read More:

Related Concepts
Difference between Torque and Power	Scalar and Vector Quantities	Thermal Expansion
Elastic and Inelastic Collisions	Rotational Kinetic Energy	Speed-Time Graphs
Angular Velocity Formula	Simple Machines	Joule's Law

 

Work and Potential Energy Equation

• Mathematically, the work done by a conservative force can be expressed as a negative change in the potential energy of the system.
• This relationship is given by the equation: Work = -ΔPotential Energy.

Significance of Conservative Forces

• Conservative forces play a crucial role in determining the potential energy of a system.
• They enable the conversion of work into potential energy and vice versa.

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