Potential Energy

For potential energy to be stored within a system, what type of force must be involved in the interactions between objects?

• Nonconservative force

• Frictional force

• Conservative force

• Applied force

Which of the following forces is generally NOT classified as a conservative force in physics?

• Gravitational force

• Elastic force (from a spring)

• Frictional force

• Electrostatic force

What is a defining characteristic of a conservative force?

• The work done by the force depends on the path taken.

• The work done by the force is always negative.

• The work done by the force is independent of the path taken.

• The force always results in a loss of mechanical energy.

A 2 kg object is lifted from a height of 0 meters to 2 meters. What is the increase in its gravitational potential energy? (Use g = 9.8 m/s²)

• 19.6 J

• 39.2 J

• -19.6 J

• -39.2 J