Work-Conservative & Non-Conservative Forces Physics

What is work?

A general definition of work is an activity that needs physical or mental effort to attain a goal or result.

When we push or drag a big load or lift it off the ground, we perform work; however, a person holding a large load and standing in a constant position is not doing any work as per the scientific definition of work.

Another term we frequently use is “energy.” Energy is typically associated with work completed, in the sense that individuals who are experiencing very enthused can do a lot of work. Energy is defined in this way as the efforts to execute tasks. According to the scientific definition, “force acting on an object in order to cause displacement”.

Mathematical definition of work, W = F x d

Here, W represents the work, F represents the magnitude of force, d represents the displacement.

The SI unit of the work is Joule. Some of the non-SI units of the work are erg, Newton-metre, the foot-pound, litre-atmosphere, horsepower-hour, and kilowatt-hour.

What are Conservative & Non-Conservative Forces?

Conservative Forces

Conservative force is a type of force that moves an object from one place to another. This force is independent of the path covered by an object and depends upon the initial and final point. Hence, we can conclude that work done by the conservative force only depends on the initial and final point and is independent of the path covered by it.

Some of the most common examples of the conservative force are electrostatic force, gravitational force, magnetic force, etc. The Conservative force depends on the theory of the conservation of energy and deals with the conservation of kinetic energy.

Properties of Conservative Force

The conservative force shows the following features:-

• Independent of the area covered by a body and fully depends upon the final and initial position of the particle.
• Work done will remain zero in the closed path.
• This force is reversible.

Non-Conservative Forces

The non-conservative force depends on the area covered by a body and the final and initial position of the particle. The force of Friction is one of the most common examples of the non-conservative force. 

The force is called a non-conservative force when it results in a change of mechanical energy. The resultant is the addition of kinetic and potential energy. Non-conservative force removes and adds mechanical energy from the process. 

Work done through the non-conservative force removes or adds mechanical energy. For example, if we apply friction force on a body, thermal energy is debauched. The energy lost cannot be fully recovered. Examples of non-conservative forces are Air Resistance, Tension in the cord, and Friction.

Properties of the Non-Conservative Force

The non-conservative force shows the following features:-

• Dependent of the area covered by a body and fully depends upon the path travelled by the particle
• Work done will always remain a positive close path.
• This force is irreversible.

Conclusion

In the above chapter, we understand the major difference between Conservative & Non-Conservative Forces. Conservative force is a type of force that moves an object from one place to another. This force is independent of the path covered by an object and depends upon the initial and final point, while the non-conservation force depends on the object’s path.