conservative and non- conservative forces

The forces by which work is done depends only on initial and final position of the body, but does not depend on the path

Meaning and Difference of conservative and non- conservative forces and its characteristics ?

1.Meaning of Conservative forces:

The forces by which work is done depends only on initial and final position of the body, but does not depend on the path followed. They are called conservative forces.

For example :-

Gravitational force and Elastic force of spring.

2. Meaning of non- conservative forces

These are the forces by which work done depends on the path followed by the body.

For example:

Frictional force.

Difference between conservative and non conservative forces.

Key points

S. No.	Conservative forces	Non- conservative forces
1.	Work done is independence of path.	work done is not independent of path.
2.	work done in a closed path is zero.	work done in a closed path is not equal to zero.
3.	For example gravitational, elastic and electric force.	For eg. Frictional, tension rocket propulsion, motor propulsion.

Characteristics of conservative force and non conservative forces.

A.Conservative force:-

1.Path Independence:

The work done by a conservative force on an object moving between two points is independent of the path taken.

2. Energy Conservation:

Conservative forces conserve mechanical energy. The total mechanical energy (kinetic energy + potential energy) of a system remains constant if only conservative forces are acting on it.

3. Potential Energy:

Conservative forces are associated with potential energy, which depends only on the position of the object and not on its path.

1.Path Dependence:

The work done by non-conservative forces on an object moving between two points depends on the path taken.

2. Energy Dissipation:

Non-conservative forces can cause energy to be dissipated from a system, typically into forms such as heat, sound, or deformation.

3. No Associated Potential Energy:

Non-conservative forces do not have associated potential energy functions, so their effects cannot be fully accounted for by considering changes in potential energy alone.