- #1
hanson
- 319
- 0
hi PF.
What is exactly a conservative field?
I know the mathematical definitions such as the existence of a scalar potential, the curl of the field equals 0 (irrotational), path independence etc.
But I still don't get a physical understanding of such a field.
What's the significance of identifying whether a field is conservative or not?
I know the gravitational field is a conservative field. But it seems to me that it is just a matter of terminology...
Please inspire me.
What is exactly a conservative field?
I know the mathematical definitions such as the existence of a scalar potential, the curl of the field equals 0 (irrotational), path independence etc.
But I still don't get a physical understanding of such a field.
What's the significance of identifying whether a field is conservative or not?
I know the gravitational field is a conservative field. But it seems to me that it is just a matter of terminology...
Please inspire me.