190 Potential Energy Formula Derivation

A derivation of the potential energy formula that is used to obtain \(U(x_{2})-U(x_{1})=-\displaystyle\int_{x_{1}}^{x_{2}} F(x)\, dx\) from the work-energy theorem.

Related definitions:

The work-energy theorem is

\[ K(t_{2}) - K(t_{1}) = \displaystyle\int_{x_{1}}^{x_{2}} F(x)\, dx \]

The potential-energy change is

\[ U(x_{2}) - U(x_{1}) = -\displaystyle\int_{x_{1}}^{x_{2}} F(x)\, dx \]

where

  • \(K\) is the kinetic energy.
  • \(t_{1}\) and \(t_{2}\) are the initial and final times.
  • \(F(x)\) is a position-dependent force.
  • \(x_{1}\) and \(x_{2}\) are the initial and final positions.
  • \(U(x)\) is the potential energy.