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Friction is described as a nonconservative force. What distinguishes a nonconservative force from a conservative one?
AIt always points opposite to the velocity
BIt can never do any work on a system
CIt has a potential energy, like a conservative force
DIts work depends on the path taken, not just endpoints
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Its work depends on the path taken, not just endpoints
1. A nonconservative force is defined as one for which the work done depends on the path taken between two points.
2. Friction is the standard example, since a longer path between two points means more work is done against friction along the way.
3. Because the work is path dependent, there is no potential energy associated with a nonconservative force, unlike with a conservative force.
4. Friction clearly can do work, and it is not restricted to acting only opposite the direction of velocity in every situation, so neither of those descriptions defines what makes it nonconservative.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Work, Energy, and Energy Resources", section 7.5 Nonconservative Forces_
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