Difference between revisions of "Conservative force"
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1. The [[work]] it does on a particle is independent of its [[trajectory]]. | 1. The [[work]] it does on a particle is independent of its [[trajectory]]. | ||
| − | 2. The work done on a particle that moves along a closed trajectory (where the initial and final positions are the same, or d<sub>i = d<sub>f | + | 2. The work done on a particle that moves along a closed trajectory (where the initial and final positions are the same, or d<sub>i</sub> = d<sub>f</sub>) = 0) is zero. |
When the only forces present in a system are conservative, [[mechanical energy]] is conserved. | When the only forces present in a system are conservative, [[mechanical energy]] is conserved. | ||
Revision as of 13:56, October 19, 2007
Conservative forces are those that possess certain properties[1]:
1. The work it does on a particle is independent of its trajectory.
2. The work done on a particle that moves along a closed trajectory (where the initial and final positions are the same, or di = df) = 0) is zero.
When the only forces present in a system are conservative, mechanical energy is conserved.
Examples of Conservative Forces:
References
- ↑ Serway and Beichner, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Fifth Edition