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  1. AP Physics 1 Revised
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What are the key differences between conservative and non-conservative forces?

Conservative: Work is path-independent, net work in a closed loop is zero, potential energy exists (e.g., gravity). Non-conservative: Work is path-dependent, energy is dissipated (e.g., friction).

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What are the key differences between conservative and non-conservative forces?

Conservative: Work is path-independent, net work in a closed loop is zero, potential energy exists (e.g., gravity). Non-conservative: Work is path-dependent, energy is dissipated (e.g., friction).

Compare and contrast stable and unstable equilibrium points in terms of potential energy.

Stable: Local minimum of potential energy, system returns to equilibrium after disturbance. Unstable: Local maximum of potential energy, system moves away from equilibrium after disturbance.

What is the difference between general gravitational potential energy and gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface?

General: U=−GMmrU = -\frac{GMm}{r}U=−rGMm​ (variable distance) | Near Earth: DeltaU=mgDeltayDelta U = mgDelta yDeltaU=mgDeltay (constant gravitational field).

Differentiate between conservative and non-conservative forces.

Conservative: store energy, path-independent | Non-conservative: dissipate energy, path-dependent.

What is the effect of positive work done by a conservative force on potential energy?

It decreases potential energy.

What is the effect of negative work done by a conservative force on potential energy?

It increases potential energy.

What happens when a spring is compressed or stretched from its equilibrium position?

Elastic potential energy is stored in the spring, given by Us=12k(Δx)2U_{s} = \frac{1}{2} k(\Delta x)^{2}Us​=21​k(Δx)2

What is the effect of increasing the separation between two masses on their gravitational potential energy?

The gravitational potential energy becomes less negative (increases), approaching zero as separation approaches infinity.