Conservative Force — PEMediumQuestion 30425
Question
If force F = −dU/dx (in 1D), then for F = −kx (spring-like), the PE is:
- A−kx
- Bkx²
- C½kx²Correct
- D−½kx²
Correct answer
½kx²
Explanation
F = −dU/dx = −kx → dU = kx dx → U = ½kx² + C. Taking U=0 at x=0: U = ½kx².