The potential energy of a system increases if work is done:

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Principle: For a conservative force, the work is the negative change in potential energy. Step 2 — Working: For a conservative interaction ΔU=−work done by the conservative force. Step 3 — Working: The potential energy increases when the conservative force does negative work, i.e. when the system moves against that conservative force (equivalently, work is done against it). Correct answer: B — by the system against a conservative force.