key term - Conservative Forces

Definition

Conservative forces are forces that do not dissipate mechanical energy as they act on objects within a system. They conserve mechanical energy by transforming one form of mechanical energy into another without any loss.

Related terms

Non-conservative Forces: Forces that dissipate mechanical energy as they act on objects within a system, such as friction or air resistance.

Work:

The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and it moves in the direction of the force.

Conservation of Energy:

The principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed from one form to another.