 These forces, that are called "conservative forces", can be represented at every point in space by vectors expressed as gradients of a certain scalar function called "potential".Since the work of potential forces acting on a body that moves from a start to an end position is determined only by these two positions, and does not depend on the trajectory of the body, there is a function known as "potential" that can be evaluated at the two positions to determine this work.There are various types of potential energy, each associated with a particular type of force.