• A conservative force is a force for which the work done in moving an object between two points is independent of the path taken. The work done by a conservative force around any closed loop is z

Here's the distinction between conservative and nonconservative forces:

• A conservative force is a force for which the work done in moving an object between two points is independent of the path taken. The work done by a conservative force around any closed loop is zero.

  • Example: Gravitational force.

• A nonconservative force is a force for which the work done in moving an object between two points depends on the path taken. The work done by a nonconservative force around a closed loop is generally not zero.

  • Example: Frictional force.