Question

Which of the following is not a conservative force?
1. Gravitational force
2. Frictional force
3. Electrostatic force
4. Magnetostatic force

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Frictional force

The correct answer is Frictional force.

• The frictional force is a non-conservative force.
• A nonconservative force is one for which work depends on the path taken.
• Work done against friction depends on the length of the path between the starting and ending points.
  • Because of this dependence on the path, there is no potential energy associated with nonconservative forces.
• An important characteristic is that the work done by a nonconservative force adds or removes mechanical energy from a system.
• Friction, for example, creates thermal energy that dissipates, removing energy from the system.

• The work done by a conservative force is independent of the path.
  • The work done by a conservative force is the same for any path connecting two points.
• Gravitational force, Electrostatic force, Magnetostatic force, elastic spring forces are such examples of conservation forces.
• Potential energy is the energy a system has due to position, shape, or configuration.
  • It is stored completely recoverable energy.