1. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy
Chapter 8
Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy
In this chapter we will introduce the following concepts:
Potential energy Conservative and nonconservative forces Mechanical energy Conservation of mechanical energy
The conservation of energy theorem will be used to solve a variety of problems.
As was done in Chapter 7, we use scalars such as work, kinetic energy, and mechanical energy rather than vectors. Therefore the approach is mathematically simpler.
(8-1)

2. Work and Potential Energy:B g v0 h
Work and Potential Energy:
From A to B the gravitational force Fg does negative work
W1 = -mgh.
From B to A the transfer is reversed. W2 done by Fg is positive
W2 = mgh
The change in the potential energy U is defined as
(8-2)

3. From A to B the spring force Fs does negative work W1 = -kx2/2
From B to A the transfer is reversed. The work W2 done by Fs is positive
W2 = kx2/2 The change in the potential energy U is defined as
(8-3)

4. Conservative and Nonconservative Forces
Conservative and Nonconservative Forces. The gravitational force and the spring force are called “conservative” because they can transfer energy from the kinetic energy of part of the system to potential energy and vice versa. m A B v0 fk x d
Frictional and drag forces on the other hand are called “nonconservative” for reasons that are explained below.
Wf = - μkmgd.
The frictional force transfers energy from the kinetic energy of the block to a type of energy called thermal energy. This energy transfer cannot be reversed. This is the hallmark of nonconservative forces.
(8-4)

5. Path Independence of Conservative Forces
A force is conservative if the net work done on a particle during a round trip is always equal to zero (see fig. b).
Wnet = Wab,1 + Wba,2 = 0.
For conservative force the work done on a particle between two points a and b does not depend on the path.
Wnet = Wab,1 + Wba,2 = Wab,1 = - Wba,2 (eq. 1)
From fig.a we have Wab,2 = - Wba,2 (eq. 2)
If we compare eq. 1 and eq. 2 we get:
(8-5)

6. O x . xi xf
F(x)
(8-6)

7. O y . yi yf mg dy m
(8-7)

8. O
(b) xi x
(c) xf
(a)
(8-8)

9. (8-9)

10. An example of the principle of conservation of mechanical energy is given in the figure. It consists of a pendulum bob of mass m moving under the action of the gravitational force.
The total mechanical energy of the bob-Earth system remains constant. As the pendulum swings, the total energy E is transferred back and forth between kinetic energy K of the bob and potential energy U of the bob-Earth system.
We assume that U is zero at the lowest point of the pendulum orbit. K is maximum in frames a and e (U is minimum there). U is maximum in frames c and g (K is minimum there).
(8-10)

11. O x .
x + Δx F A B
(8-11)

12. The Potential Energy Curve:
If we plot the potential energy U versus x for a force F that acts along the x-axis we can glean a wealth of information about the motion of a particle on which F is acting. The first parameter that we can determine is the force F(x) using the equation
An example is given in the figures above In fig. a we plot U(x) versus x In fig. b we plot F(x) versus x For example, at x2 , x3, and x4 the slope of the U(x) vs. x curve is zero, thus F = The slope dU/dx between x3 and x4 is negative; thus F > 0 for the this interval.
The slope dU/dx between x2 and x3 is positive; thus F < 0 for the same interval.
(8-12)

13. (8-13)

14. Given the U(x) versus x curve the turning points and the regions for which motion is allowed depend on the value of the mechanical energy Emec.
In the picture above consider the situation when Emec = 4 J (purple line). The turning points (Emec = U ) occur at x1 and x > x5. Motion is allowed for x > x1. If we reduce Emec to 3 J or 1 J the turning points and regions of allowed motion change accordingly.
Equilibrium Points: A position at which the slope dU/dx = 0 and thus F = 0 is called an equilibrium point. A region for which F = 0 such as the region x > x5 is called a region of neutral equilibrium. If we set Emec = 4 J, the kinetic energy K = 0 and any particle moving under the influence of U will be stationary at any point with x > x Minima in the U versus x curve are positions of stable equilibrium Maxima in the U versus x curve are positions of unstable equilibrium.
(8-14)

15. Note: The blue arrows in the figure indicate the direction of the force F as determined from the equation
Positions of Stable Equilibrium: An example is point x4, where U has a minimum. If we arrange Emec = 1 J then K = 0 at point x4. A particle with Emec = 1 J is stationary at x4. If we displace slightly the particle either to the right or to the left of x4 the force tends to bring it back to the equilibrium position. This equilibrium is stable.
Positions of Unstable Equilibrium: An example is point x3, where U has a maximum. If we arrange Emec = 3 J then K = 0 at point x3. A particle with Emec = 3 J is stationary at x3. If we displace slightly the particle either to the right or to the left of x3 the force tends to take it further away from the equilibrium position. This equilibrium is unstable.
(8-15)

16. Work Done on a System by an External Force
Work is energy transferred to or from a system by means of an external force acting on that system
No Friction Involved
Friction Involved
(8-16)

17. Conservation of Energy
The total energy E of a system can change only by amounts of energy that are transferred to or from the system.
W = ∆E = ∆Emec + ∆Eth + ∆Eint,
Isolated System
The total energy E of an isolated system cannot be changed.
∆Emec + ∆Eth + ∆Eint = 0 (isolated system)
Let ∆Emec,2 =∆Emec,2 - Emec,1
∆Emec,2 =Emec,1 - ∆Eth - ∆Eint

18. Power
Pavg = ∆E/ ∆t
P= dE/ dt

19. Chapter 11
Topics Included
11.8, 11-9, 11.10, and 11.11

20. B
(11-11)

21. (11-12)

22. O m1 m3 m2 ℓ1 ℓ2 ℓ3 x y z
(11-13)

23. (11-14)

24. (11-15)

25. (11-16)

26. y-axis
(11-17)

27. (11-18)