Which of the following forces can cause a change in the potential energy?

Options

A. Both conservative and non - conservative forces
B. Conservative force only
C. Non - conservative force only
D. Neither conservative nor non - conservative forces.

Answer

To determine which forces can cause a change in potential energy, we need to understand the concept of potential energy and the types of forces involved.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Potential Energy**:
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. It is often associated with the position of an object in a gravitational field, elastic field, or electric field.

2. **Identifying Forces**:
Forces can be classified into two main categories: conservative forces and non-conservative forces.
- **Conservative Forces**: These are forces for which the work done is independent of the path taken. The work done by conservative forces depends only on the initial and final positions of the object. Examples include gravitational force and spring force.
- **Non-Conservative Forces**: These are forces for which the work done depends on the path taken. Examples include frictional force and air resistance.

3. **Change in Potential Energy**:
The change in potential energy is associated with conservative forces. When an object is moved in a gravitational field, for example, the change in height results in a change in gravitational potential energy, which can be calculated using the formula:
\[ U = mgh \]
where \( U \) is the potential energy, \( m \) is the mass of the object, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is the height above a reference point.

4. **Conclusion**:
Since potential energy depends only on the initial and final positions and not on the path taken, only conservative forces can cause a change in potential energy. Non-conservative forces do not contribute to potential energy changes as they dissipate energy (e.g., as heat) rather than storing it.

5. **Final Answer**:
The forces that can cause a change in potential energy are **only conservative forces**.