An Overview of Properties of Conservative Forces

There are a number of different forces that act in our surroundings. In simple words, a force can be defined as a pull or push on any object. Force refers to the external agent that has the potential to change the state of motion or the state of the rest of an object. It is a vector quantity that has direction and magnitude. The two prominent types of force are conservative force and non-conservative force. 

When the force is only dependent on the initial and final position irrespective of the path taken, it is known as a conservative force. Conservative force can be defined as the force applied in order to move an object from one position to another. It is independent of the path followed and depends only on the beginning point and the ending point. In this force, the work that is done by a conservative force is reversible. Moreover, in any closed path, the work done by a conservative force is zero.

Types of Conservative Force

Now that you know the conservative force is when the force is only dependent on the initial and final position irrespective of the path taken, we will discuss the different conservative forces. 

Gravitational Force

Gravitational force is one of the most popular examples of a conservative force. When a gravitational force acts on an object, it pulls the object towards the earth’s centre. It is also responsible for the computation of the weight of the object. 

The object’s weight is independent of the path taken by it when it is in motion. It only depends on the initial point and the final point of the object. When the force is only dependent on the initial and final positions irrespective of the path taken, it is a conservative force. Therefore, the gravitational force is a type of conservative force. 

Magnetic force

In order to better understand how magnetic force is a type of conservative force, let’s take the help of an example. A magnet has two poles. They are the south pole and the north pole. The imaginary field lines due to the magnetic fields start from the north pole and end at the south pole. When you place a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic element within the magnetic field, it will either experience repulsion or attraction. 

The magnetic force is dependent on the object’s position. However, the path followed is not taken into consideration. This proves that the magnetic force is a type of conservative force.

Electrostatic Force

The electrostatic force is also a type of conservative force. When you stretch a rubber band or elastic band, it creates a pull force at the ends of the band. It temporarily deforms the structure of the rubber band or elastic band. However, on the removal of the force, the band again returns to the original shape. It leads to the conservation of energy. 

Moreover, the force is only dependent on the initial and final position of the rubber band or elastic band. So, when the force is only dependent on the initial and final position irrespective of the path taken, it is undoubtedly a conservative force. 

Difference Between Conservative and Non-conservative Force

Here are the most significant differences between conservative forces and non-conservative forces:

• In conservative force, the force is independent of the particle’s actual path. But the non-conservative force is dependent on the path. 
• The conservative force obeys the law of conservation of energy. However, the non-conservative law does not obey the law. 
• The work done in a closed path is zero in the case of a conservative force. But, it is not zero in the case of non-conservative force. 
• The work done in the case of conservative force is completely recoverable. But the work done in the case of non-conservative force is not recoverable. 
• The mechanical energy is conserved in the case of a conservative force. However, it may not be conserved in the case of non-conservative force. 
• Examples of conservative forces are magnetic force and gravitational force. An example of a non-conservative force is the frictional force. 

Properties of Conservative Force

If a particular force consists of the following properties, then it is known as a conservative force.

• The conservative force is a major source of reusable energy.
• In any closed path, the work done by a conservative force is equal to zero.
• The work that is done by a conservative is reversible. 
• Conservative force is only dependent on the initial and final position irrespective of the path taken.

Conclusion

Different forces are present in the surroundings of humans. Conservative force is one of the important types of force. When the force is only dependent on the initial and final position irrespective of the path taken, it is known as a conservative force. The most common types of conservative force are magnetic force, electrostatic force, and gravitational force. 

The work done by a conservative force is reversible. Also, in any closed path, the work done by a conservative force is zero. Having knowledge of the properties of conservative force can help in easily identifying whether a force is conservative in nature or not.