Conservative Force - Properties, Examples, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Nov 11, 2024 11:40 AM IST

What is Conservative Force?

A conservative force is one that is applied to move a particle from one point to another while remaining independent of the particle's route. It is solely determined by the particle's starting and final positions. Conservation forces include gravitational and elastic spring forces, for example. Gravity is a classic example of a conservative force. Magnetic, electrostatic, and elastic forces are more examples.

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What is Conservative Force?
Properties of Conservative Force
Examples-
What is Non Conservative Force?
Difference Between Conservative and Non Conservative Force

Conservative Force - Properties, Examples, FAQs

Properties of Conservative Force

A force is said to be conservative if it possesses the properties listed below.

When the force is solely determined by the initial and final positions, regardless of the path followed.
The work done by a conservative force on any closed path is zero.
The work done by a conservative force can be reversed.

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Examples-

Gravitational Force

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Assume you're at the top of a ladder and you drop a ball. The gravity will be estimated while the ball is at its maximum height and again when it reaches the ground as a conservative force.

Gravitational force = m × g,

Where m is the mass of the ball and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Therefore work done by the gravitational force

W = -mgh

Where h is the difference between the initial and final position of the body.

Also check :

h = h_fina_l– h_initial

We can simply find out the work done by gravity on the particle using the above expression just by knowing the vertical displacement, regardless of how intricate the particle's journey is. We can deduce from this that the gravitational force is independent of the path travelled, but only of the initial and final positions. As a result, gravitation is a conservative force.

Magnetic Force

The force of magnetism is a conservative force. Any two electrically charged particles moving together produce a magnetic force, which is a relative phenomenon. The magnetic force is a conservative force since it is a velocity dependent vector.

Electrostatic Force

The force of electrostatic attraction is a conservative force. The work done by an electrostatic force in the presence of an electric field is determined by the charge's initial and ending positions, not its path. The electrostatic force is a conservative force since it is route independent.

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What is Non Conservative Force?

A non-conservative force is one whose output is dependent on the path chosen. Friction is an example of a force that is not conservative. If a force causes a change in mechanical energy, which is equal to the total of potential and kinetic energy, it is said to be non-conservative. A non-conservative force's work adds or subtracts mechanical energy. Thermal energy is dissipated when work is done by friction, for example. It is impossible to restore all of the energy that has been lost.

Properties of Non Conservative Force

Its properties are the opposite of conservative forces. The following are the properties:

Because it is path dependent, it is also affected by the initial and final velocity.
The total work done by a non-conservative force in any closed path is not zero.
The work done by a non-conservative force is irreversible

NCERT Physics Notes :

Difference Between Conservative and Non Conservative Force

Conservative Force	Non Conservative Force
Inside a closed loop, work done by conservative forces is always zero.	Inside an enclosed path, the work done by a non-conservative force is never zero.
Conservative force is any force in which the work done by or against a body is determined by its initial and final positions.	Any force in which the path travelled by an object determines the work done by or against that body is referred to as non-conservative force.
Electrostatic force, gravitational force, magnetic force, and other conservative forces are examples.	Frictional force, cyclotron induction force, and viscous force are all common examples.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you mean by central force?

The force acting on an object that is directed along the line between the object and the origin is known as the central force.

2. Is the electric field a conservative field?

Yes, the electric field is a conservative field.

3. What is a conservative field?

A field where conservative force can be experienced is called a conservative field.

4. What is the SI unit of work done?

The SI unit of work done is joule (J).

5. Which of the following is not a non conservative force? A. Force of friction B. Gravitational force C. Magnetic Force D. Electrostatic Force

Friction is a force that is non conservative. Work is required to overcome the effect of frictional force when a body is moved against friction. The work done by the frictional force is determined not only by the body's initial and ultimate positions, but also by the length of the path travelled.