Conservative Forces

Conservative Forces

A force is conservative if the work done by it depends only on initial and final positions.

### Formula

$$W=-\Delta U$$

### Terminologies

- W → Work done by conservative force.

- U → Potential energy.

- ΔU → Change in potential energy.

### Conditions / Special Cases

For closed path:

$$W=0$$

### Examples

- Gravitational force

- Spring force

- Electrostatic force

### Usage

- Used in energy conservation problems.