1. Find the slope of the potential energy curve at the point of interest. 2. Take the negative of that slope: $$F_{x} = -\frac{dU(x)}{dx}$$.

Sum the potential energies of all pairs of interacting objects: U_total = U_12 + U_13 + U_23 + ...

The change in potential energy (ΔU) is equal to the negative work done by conservative forces: $$\Delta U = - \int_{a}^{b} \vec{F}_{cf}(r) \cdot d\vec{r}$$

1. Identify all pairs of objects. 2. Calculate the potential energy for each pair. 3. Add up all the potential energy contributions.

The conservative force in one dimension is the negative slope of the potential energy curve: $F_{x} = -\frac{dU(x)}{dx}$

Sum the potential energies of all pairs of interacting objects: $U_{total} = U_{12} + U_{13} + U_{23} + ...$