When a conservative force does positive work on a body

• A. The potential energy increases
• B. The potential energy decreases
• C. Total energy increases
• D. Total energy decreases

When a conservative force does positive work on a body, it means that the force is acting in the direction of the body's motion. This results in an increase in the body's kinetic energy. However, regarding potential energy, the correct answer is:

Understanding Energy Changes

• A. The potential energy increases - This is incorrect because positive work typically decreases potential energy.
• B. The potential energy decreases - This is the correct answer. As the body moves in the direction of the force, its potential energy decreases.
• C. Total energy increases - This is not necessarily true; total energy remains constant in a closed system.
• D. Total energy decreases - This is also incorrect; total energy does not decrease in a conservative system.

In summary, when a conservative force performs positive work, the potential energy of the body decreases.