Forces

• What Is the Relation Between Potential Energy and Force?
  For a conservative force, force is the negative slope or gradient of potential energy; see how to calculate it and interpret the sign.
• Does Hydrostatic Pressure Act in Lateral Directions?
  In a fluid at rest, pressure is the same in every direction at a point; lateral force comes from the wall’s normal and varies with depth.
• How to Calculate Net Force from a Free-Body Diagram
  Resolve every force on the free-body diagram into components, add signed components, then combine them to find the net force's magnitude and direction.