The discussion revolves around the concept of conservative forces, specifically focusing on gravity and the assertion that the work done by such forces is independent of the path taken. Participants are exploring how to demonstrate that the work done by a conservative force is the same for all paths.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering various perspectives on the nature of conservative forces and the specific characteristics of gravitational force. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the relationship between force and potential energy, but no consensus has been reached.
Participants are considering the implications of gravity acting along a radius vector and discussing the nuances of gravitational force as it varies with distance from the Earth. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of defining forces in this context.
Dustinsfl said:So for a force to be conservative it can only depend on position and the work as to be the same for all paths.
The force mass time gravity is conservative but how do I show the all paths are the same?
Dustinsfl said:Since gravity is acting along the radius to the center of earth, then would ##\mathbf{F}(\mathbf{r}) = -m\mathbf{r}##?
Dick said:That is a conservative force, but I don't think Newton would agree it has much to do with gravity. What are you thinking?
Dustinsfl said:I wrote why I put that.
I said since gravity is acting along the raidus vector to the center of Earth then could I wrtie F in such a manner.