All Flashcards
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: (variable distance) | Near Earth: (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
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.