Potential Energy & Equilibrium: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Potential Energy & Equilibrium. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Potential energy is associated with conservative forces. Work done by a conservative force is \(W_c = -\Delta U\). Therefore, if potential energy increases (\(\Delta U > 0\)\), then \(W_c\) must be negative. This happens when work is done by the system against a conservative force (e.g., lifting an object against gravity).