- #1
loom91
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Hi,
I was thinking, velocity dependent forces such as friction are considered non-conservative. The Lorentz force on a point charge moving in a constant magnetic field depends on its velocity, so it seems the magnetic force is non-conservative. Other criteria such as vanishing curl are also not met.
Yet, since the Lorentz force is always perpendicular to the velocity, it can never change the kinetic energy of the charged particle. It does no net work and the particle's energy does not dissipate when in the field. Is this not a characteristic of a conservative force?
Thanks.
Molu
I was thinking, velocity dependent forces such as friction are considered non-conservative. The Lorentz force on a point charge moving in a constant magnetic field depends on its velocity, so it seems the magnetic force is non-conservative. Other criteria such as vanishing curl are also not met.
Yet, since the Lorentz force is always perpendicular to the velocity, it can never change the kinetic energy of the charged particle. It does no net work and the particle's energy does not dissipate when in the field. Is this not a characteristic of a conservative force?
Thanks.
Molu