Checking if a Force is Conservative: A Tutorial

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether a given force is conservative, with references to mechanical energy conservation and mathematical proofs involving concepts like curl and line integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between conservative forces and mechanical energy conservation. Questions arise regarding the mathematical proof of conservative forces, particularly concerning the concepts of curl and line integrals.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the definitions and properties of conservative forces, with some referencing external sources for proofs. There is an acknowledgment of varying levels of familiarity with the necessary mathematical concepts.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a lack of exposure to certain mathematical tools needed for understanding the proof of conservative forces, indicating potential gaps in knowledge that may affect the discussion.

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Homework Statement



I found this question (pic) how do I check if a force is conservative or not?

10x.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

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If I remember correctly, forces which conserve mechanical energy are conservative forces.
 
rock.freak667 said:
If I remember correctly, forces which conserve mechanical energy are conservative forces.

isn't there a mathematic proof to a conservative forces?
 
Well there is a proof but I was never taught things like curl and line integrals so...

But I see that Wikipedia has something on the proof.
 

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