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Key Equations

Difference of potential energy ΔUAB=UBUA=WAB
Potential energy with respect to zero of
potential energy at r 0
ΔU=U(r ) U(r 0 )
Gravitational potential energy near Earth’s surface U(y) =mgy+const.
Potential energy for an ideal spring U(x) =12 kx2+const.
Work done by conservative force over a closed path Wclosed path=F cons·dr =0
Condition for conservative force in two dimensions (dFx dy ) =(dFy dx )
Conservative force is the negative derivative of potential energy Fl=dU dl
Conservation of energy with no
non-conservative forces
0=Wnc,AB=Δ(K+U ) AB=ΔEAB.
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