Question

Work done by a conservative force on a system is equal to

• A. the change in kinetic energy of the system
• B. the negative of the change in potential energy of the system
• C. the change in total mechanical energy of the system
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B the negative of the change in potential energy of the system

We know that $dU=-dW$
where $dU$ is the change in potential energy and $dW$ is the work done by conservative forces
Hence, work done by conservative forces on a system is equal to the negative of the change in potential energy.