Conservative versus Non-Conservative Forces
In this course, we will focus almost exclusively on the conservative gravitational or spring forces
Conservative forces are forces for which the work done is independent of the
path taken. It
depends only upon
the starting and finishing positions.
Nonconservative forces are forces for which the work done depends on the
path taken.
|
Some Conservative Forces |
Non-Conservative Forces |
|
Gravitational |
Friction |
|
Electrical |
Air Resistance |