Force Components: Motion on xy-Plane, Non-Conservative Force

[chem engineer]

Consider the motion of an object on the xy-plane. Show that the force whose x and y- components are respectivley Fx= (3N/m)y and Fy= 0 is not conservative.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

I don't think you've stated the entire problem. What you said doesn't really make much sense.

 

[Hootenanny]

Consider the motion of an object on the xy-plane. Show that the force whose x and y- components are respectivley Fx= (3N/m)y and Fy= 0 is not conservative.

What is the condition for a force to be conservative? Does this force meet that condition?

 

[Johannes]

I can't make much sense of that either, however, a conservative force is a force that convserves mechanical work, so the force can not be "lost". For example gravitational force. If you have a ball and trow it down a building ( the building in physics haven in vacuum and stuff... ) and then put it back to the exact same point, the net work done by the gravitational force is 0. In consequence it does not matter if you shoot it to the moon in between, or how much other forces move it around. A non conservative force is friction for example.

 

[Hootenanny]

I can't make much sense of that either, however, a conservative force is a force that convserves mechanical work, so the force can not be "lost". For example gravitational force. If you have a ball and trow it down a building ( the building in physics haven in vacuum and stuff... ) and then put it back to the exact same point, the net work done by the gravitational force is 0. In consequence it does not matter if you shoot it to the moon in between, or how much other forces move it around. A non conservative force is friction for example.

What you said doesn't really make much sense.

Even if the question was not copied verbatim, it is perfectly well posed and makes sense to me. In any case, the question is most definitely answerable.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Consider the motion of an object on the xy-plane. Show that the force whose x and y- components are respectivley Fx= (3N/m)y and Fy= 0 is not conservative.

This is exactly the same as asking to show that the differential, 3ydx, is not an "exact" differential. Of course, then it would be a math question!

So, back to you, chem engineer. What is the definition of "conservative" force. Then how does this force NOT satisfy that definition?

 

[chem engineer]

Its funny you guys said this question makee no sense, its copied directly from this terrible book my professor uses.

 

[Hootenanny]

Its funny you guys said this question makee no sense, its copied directly from this terrible book my professor uses.

It's funny that all of us didn't say that:

Even if the question was not copied verbatim, it is perfectly well posed and makes sense to me. In any case, the question is most definitely answerable.

It's also funny that you have failed to respond to our questions:

What is the condition for a force to be conservative? Does this force meet that condition?

So, back to you, chem engineer. What is the definition of "conservative" force. Then how does this force NOT satisfy that definition?