Conservative forces and potential energy
Potential-energy differences encode path-independent work.
Key knowledge
A time-independent conservative position force has path-independent work and zero work around every closed path in its domain. A potential U can be chosen so F=−∇U and U(B)−U(A)=−∫_A^B F·dr. Adding a constant to U changes neither force nor work. Local vanishing curl alone needs suitable global-domain conditions before it establishes a single-valued potential.
Values and equations
ΔU=−∫_A^B F·dr; F=−∇U; ∮F·dr=0
- U,ΔU
- Potential energy and its change J
- F
- Conservative position-force vector N
- r
- Position m
- A,B
- Path endpoints
Conditions and scope
- Use a sufficiently smooth force on a connected domain; global path independence is the defining property here.
- A curl test is sufficient on a simply connected domain with the relevant regularity, and must not be assumed across excluded singularities or nontrivial loops.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)2 sources
- University Physics Volume 1, §8.1: potential energy of a systemSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)Textbook chapter
- University Physics Volume 1, §8.2: conservative and non conservative forcesSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)Textbook chapter
Evidence and review
Read §8.1 potential-difference/arbitrary-zero definitions and §8.2 path-independent/closed-path definitions8.8–8.9 and one-dimensional derivative8.11. Vector gradient and curl-domain qualification are disclosed mathematical extensions of the line-integral definition, not the source’s unqualified planar derivative test.
2026-10-10 · /root/audit_life_earth_chemistry — independent Chemistry/Life/Earth editor. Independent AI editorial review of this entry's statements, equations, applicability conditions and source coverage. Source checks apply to these claims within their stated limits.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- foundation-physics-conservative-potential
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions