JEE Main · 2025 · 07 Apr 2025 · Shift 2 · Work, Power & Energy

Which one of the following forces cannot be expressed in terms of potential energy?

(A)Coulomb's force
(B)Gravitational force
(C)Frictional force✓ Correct
(D)Restoring force

Answer: (C)

Solution

Potential energy can be defined only for a conservative force, one whose work is independent of the path taken. Coulomb's force, gravitational force and the restoring (spring) force are all conservative and each has an associated potential energy. The frictional force is non-conservative, since its work depends on the path, so it cannot be expressed in terms of potential energy.

JEE Main · 2025 · 07 Apr 2025 · Shift 2 · Single correct option

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