Conservative Forces
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Conservative Forces
A conservative force does work that depends only on the initial and final positions, not on the path between them. Its work around a closed path is zero. Gravity and ideal spring forces are examples.
Example: Gravity
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Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Definition by an unchanging force direction is false; spring and gravity directions can change. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Conservative force
A conservative force does work that depends only on the starting and ending configurations. A potential-energy function can describe it, and its work around a closed path is zero. For example, near-Earth gravity does the same work between two heights whether a ball follows a vertical or a curved path.