5 Questions
Explain the concept of potential energy and how it relates to conservative forces.
Potential energy is the stored energy of a body when an external force does work in taking the body from one point to another against a force. When the external force is removed, the body gains kinetic energy and loses an equal amount of potential energy. The sum of kinetic and potential energies is conserved. Conservative forces, such as spring force, gravitational force, and Coulomb force, have inverse-square dependence on distance and conserve energy.
What is the difference between a conservative force and a non-conservative force?
A conservative force conserves energy, meaning the total mechanical energy of a system remains constant. Examples of conservative forces include spring force, gravitational force, and Coulomb force. Non-conservative forces, on the other hand, do not conserve energy and can dissipate energy from a system. Friction is an example of a non-conservative force.
What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy?
When an external force does work in taking a body from one point to another against a force, potential energy is stored in the body. When the external force is removed, the body gains kinetic energy and loses an equal amount of potential energy. The sum of kinetic and potential energies is conserved.
How does the Coulomb force between two charges compare to the gravitational force between two masses?
The Coulomb force between two charges and the gravitational force between two masses have similar characteristics. Both forces have an inverse-square dependence on distance and are conservative forces. The main difference is that the proportionality constants differ - the masses in the gravitational law are replaced by charges in Coulomb's law.
Give two examples of conservative forces.
Two examples of conservative forces are spring force and gravitational force.
Test your knowledge on electrostatic potential and capacitance with this quiz. Explore concepts such as potential energy, work done, and the storage of energy in bodies. Get ready to improve your understanding of these important physics topics.
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