Conservation of Energy Part 3: Gravitational Potential Energy

The video tutorial explains the concept of gravitational potential energy, starting with a review of work as the integral of force. It sets up a problem involving a ball moving under various forces and focuses on calculating the work done by gravity. The tutorial introduces an arbitrary axis system and explains the force due to gravity. It then calculates the work done by gravity using integrals, simplifying the process with assumptions about constant mass and gravity. Finally, it defines gravitational potential energy and relates it to work, setting the stage for future discussions on conservative and non-conservative forces.

What is the primary focus when calculating the work done by gravity in the given example?

• The forces other than gravity acting on the bull

• The path taken by the bull

• The work done by gravity alone

• The total distance traveled by the bull

In the chosen coordinate system, which direction is considered positive for the Y-axis?

• To the left

• Out of the page

• Above the ground

• Towards the ground

What is the direction of the gravitational force in the coordinate system?

• Negative Z direction

• Positive X direction

• Positive Y direction

• Negative Y direction

What assumption is made about gravity when simplifying the work done by gravity?

• Gravity changes significantly with height

• Gravity acts in the X direction

• Gravity is constant

• Gravity is negligible

How is the work done by gravity expressed in terms of gravitational potential energy?

• As a constant value

• As zero

• As a negative change in potential energy

• As a positive change in potential energy

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy as introduced in the video?

• MGH

• MGX

• MGD

• MGZ

What will be discussed in the next video following this one?

• Elastic energy

• Conservative forces

• Non-conservative forces

• Kinetic energy