(10404) Conservative forces

Conservative Forces

• Definition: Forces where the work done depends only on initial and final positions, not on the path taken.

  • Examples: Gravitational force, spring force.

Characteristics of Conservative Forces

• Only depend on initial and final positions.

• Allows definition of potential energy for associated forces.

  • Gravitational energy and spring potential energy are examples.

Non-Conservative Forces

• Definition: Forces where work depends on the path taken.

  • Examples: Friction, air resistance.

• Example of Friction:

  • Moving a mass from A to B creates thermal energy via negative work.

  • Repeated path from A to B increases thermal energy.

• Consequence: No potential energy can be defined for non-conservative forces.

Energy Conservation

• Conservative forces conserve mechanical energy (kinetic & potential).

• Non-conservative forces dissipate energy (thermal energy), making recovery difficult.

  • Example: Lifting a mass against gravity stores potential energy, which can be converted back into kinetic energy when falling.