Why does a body always accelerate in a direction that reduces its potential energy as soon as possible?

Question

Thanks:)

Answer 1

Because Nature is such a miser when concern energy is concerned. High potential energy is very unstable, like when an electron is excited to a higher energy level, it as soon as possible bounces back to a state of lower energy. We do no really know why Nature acts this way, that is why the equation that describes this behavior of Nature is called a theorem and not a theory. The Work-Energy theorem says that the change in kinetic energy = negative of change in potential energy. so that when the potential energy is positive. The natural tendency of things is to go to a place where its potential is lower. In the equation, this means that the object would go accelerate towards that place of lower potential.

Answer 2

Nature acts to minimise the free energy of a system and what you wrote is one of the ways of reducing the free energy of the body. A body falling in free fall towards a gravitational field is an example.

Answer 3

Any system has a certain amount of energy

However, if a system has more energy, it is more unstable
As a general rule in nature, systems try to become more stable

To attain stability, the body (our system in the discussion) tends towards lower energy

Answer 4

As energy is conserved, its potential energy will always be converted to kinetic energy (only in a conservative field).
In the presence of non conservative fields or forces(Eg: Friction), its P.E. can be converted to dissipative forces like heat. Therefore , as its P.E. decreases its kinetic energy increases,thereby increasing its velocity.

P.S.- K.E. =1/2*m*v^2 where m is its mass and v is its speed