Physics · WORK, ENERGY AND POWER
हिन्दीGiven below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The absolute value of potential energy of a physical system at a given point has no unique physical significance; only differences in potential energy are physically meaningful. Reason (R): The point chosen as the zero reference level of potential energy is arbitrary. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
View Answer & Solution
Correct answer · Option A
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation
Potential energy is defined via work difference \( \Delta V = -W \). Since any arbitrary point can be assigned zero potential energy, only differences \( \Delta V \) affect physical observables.