conservative force
In physics, a 'conservative force' is crucial for understanding energy conservation and potential energy in various systems.
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Definition
C1Physics
(technical, academic)A force where the work done moving an object between two points does not depend on the path taken.
Example
- Gravity is a conservative force because the work done moving an object between two heights is the same regardless of the path.
C1Physics
(technical, academic)A force for which the work done in moving an object around a closed loop is zero.
Example
- In a closed loop, the net work done by a conservative force like gravity is zero.
C2Physics
(technical, academic)A force that can be expressed as the gradient of a potential energy function.
Example
- Electrostatic forces are conservative because they can be derived from an electric potential.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "conservative force":
conservation lawforce fieldstrong forcedriving forcecentrifugal force