Question

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

• A. The change in kinetic energy of the system
• B. 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 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.