A conservative force is a type of force that conserves mechanical energy. This means that the total energy of a system remains constant, and energy is only transferred between different forms. In other words, the work done by a conservative force is independent of the path taken by an object.
The potential energy of a conservative force can be calculated using the equation PE = -∫F(x)dx, where PE is the potential energy, F(x) is the force acting on an object, and dx is the displacement of the object. This integral represents the work done by the conservative force.
Gravity is a common example of a conservative force. As an object moves in a gravitational field, the work done by gravity is independent of the path taken by the object. This means that the potential energy of the object remains constant, and only changes when the object's position or mass changes.
A non-conservative force is a type of force that does not conserve mechanical energy. The work done by a non-conservative force depends on the path taken by an object. Examples of non-conservative forces include friction and air resistance.
The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between different forms. Conservative forces adhere to this principle because the work done by a conservative force only changes the potential energy of an object, rather than creating or destroying energy.