Work Done by a Conservative Force
The total work done by a conservative force is referred as the work done by an object when a conservative force acting upon the object. To calculate the work done by a conservative force, we have to find out the magnitude of the force and the displacement of the body. Once we find out the magnitude of the force and the displacement of object, then multiply the magnitude of the force by the travelled distance of the object. The final value after multiplication is the total work done by the force.
The equation to calculate the total work done by a conservation force is ,
W = F × d
where
- W = work done,
- F = Force acting on the object,
- d = the distance between the force and the object.
Note:
- Work done by conservative force on a system is given by the change in the potential energy of the system
- Work done by conservative force is equal to the negative change in the potential energy.
- Work done by conservative force is positive when potential energy of the body decreases and kinetic energy of the body increases
Gravitational Force is a Conservative Force
The work done against gravity is always conserved, so it is an example of Conservative force. Let us discuss the gravitational force as an example of Conservative force.
Let us suppose, an object or a particle at height “h” from the ground, is thrown vertically, then the work done against gravity on this object is,
W1 = -mgh
When the same object falls down from the same height “h”, the work done on that object is,
W2 = mgh
Thus the total work done on that object is,
W = W1 + W2
W = -mgh + mgh = 0.
Hence, the total work done for an object moves from the ground to a height ‘h’ and falling back to the ground from that height ‘h’ is equal to zero. It means that the work done is zero and it is conserved. This example shows that gravitational force is a type of conservative force.
Conservative Forces – Definition, Formula, Examples
Conservative Force is a type of force which is independent of path taken to do a work. This means when an when force applied in moving an object from one position to another is the same irrespective of the path taken, it is called conservative force. A force is a push or pull acting on an object. In our surroundings, several forces exist. Conservative forces include magnetic force, gravitational force, etc.
In this article, we will learn in detail about conservative force, its definition, formula, and examples. We will also compare conservative and non-conservative forces.
Table of Content
- What is a Conservative Force?
- Work Done by a Conservative Force
- Conservative Force Formula
- Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces
- Difference between the Conservative Force and Non-conservative Force
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