When a conservation force does positive work on a body, then the

Options

A. Potential energy of body increases
B. Potential energy of body decreases
C. Total mechanical energy of body increases
D. Total mechanical energy of body decreases

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze the relationship between work done by conservative forces and potential energy. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Work Done by Conservative Forces
Conservative forces are forces where the work done is independent of the path taken. Examples include gravitational force and spring force. When a conservative force does positive work on an object, it means that the force is acting in the same direction as the displacement of the object.

**Hint:** Remember that positive work indicates that energy is being transferred to the object in the direction of the force.

### Step 2: Analyze the Effect of Positive Work on Potential Energy
When a conservative force does positive work on a body, it typically means that the body is moving to a lower potential energy state. For example, when an object falls under the influence of gravity, the gravitational force does positive work on the object, and its potential energy decreases.

**Hint:** Consider how moving downward in a gravitational field affects potential energy.

### Step 3: Apply the Concept to the Given Options
In the context of the question, if a conservative force (like gravity) does positive work on a body, the potential energy of that body decreases. This is because the work done by the force is converting potential energy into kinetic energy or some other form of energy.

**Hint:** Think about the relationship between work done and changes in potential energy in conservative systems.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question is that when a conservative force does positive work on a body, the potential energy of the body decreases.

**Final Answer:** The potential energy of the body decreases.