andyrk said:How is path dependence equivalent to undefined potential energy?
Non-conservative forces are forces that do work on an object that is dependent on the path taken. Examples of non-conservative forces include friction, air resistance, and tension in a string.
Non-conservative forces can cause an object to slow down or change direction due to the work they do on the object. This work can be positive or negative, depending on the direction of the force and the displacement of the object.
Yes, non-conservative forces can do positive work. For example, a person sliding down a slide experiences positive work from the force of friction between their body and the slide.
Non-conservative forces can cause a change in an object's mechanical energy by doing work on the object. This change can result in a decrease in kinetic energy or an increase in potential energy.
No, non-conservative forces cannot be conservative. Conservative forces are those that do not depend on the path taken and can be completely described by a potential energy function. Non-conservative forces, on the other hand, depend on the path and cannot be described by a potential energy function.