Question

Write the differences between conservative and Non-conservative forces. Give two examples each.

Answer 1

Conservative forces:

A-Force is said to be a conservative force if work done by or against the force in moving the body depends only on the initial and final positions of the body and net depend on the nature of the path followed between the two positions.

Examples:

1. Elastic spring force, electrostatic force, magnetic force, gravitational force.

Non-conservative force:

A force is said to be non-conservative if the work done by or against the force in moving a body depends on the path between initial and final positions. This means the value of work-done is different in different paths.

Examples:

1. Frictional forces are non-conservative forces as the work done against friction depends on the length of the path moved by the body.
2. The force due to air resistance, viscous forces are also non-conservative forces because work done by or against these forces depends upon the velocity of motion.