Work and Potential Energy (Part A): Feynman's Physics Explained
When a force moves an object, we say it does work, transferring energy. For some forces, like gravity, the work to move from A to B does not depend on the path — like climbing a hill, only the change in altitude matters, not the trail. For these 'conservative' forces we can define a potential energy: the energy stored in the system. Kinetic energy plus potential energy then stays constant.
The big idea
Some forces let energy be 'stored up' as potential energy.
Think about it
A book on a high shelf has stored energy. What converts that store into motion if it falls?
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