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3.3 Potential Energy

Part of Work, Energy, and Power in AP® Physics C: Mechanics. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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Potential energy represents stored energy due to position or configuration. It arises from conservative forces.

Important Equation: Fx=−dU(x)dx{F_x = -\frac{dU(x)}{dx}}

This can be rearranged to: U=−∫abFc(r)dr{U = -\int_a^b F_c(r) dr} or equivalently, W=−ΔU{W = -\Delta U}

Objects naturally move toward lower potential energy. Doing work against a conservative force increases potential energy.

In this unit

5 lessons

  1. 3.1Translational Kinetic EnergyPreview lesson
  2. 3.2WorkPreview lesson
  3. 3.3Potential EnergyThis lesson
  4. 3.4Conservation of EnergyPreview lesson
  5. 3.5PowerPreview lesson

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