Chapter 7

Question 1

A nonconservative force is one for which

Answer 1

work depends on the path taken. Friction is a good example of a nonconservative force. Work done against friction depends on the length of the path between the starting and ending points.

Question 2

Because of this dependence on path, there is no ______ associated with nonconservative forces.

Answer 2

no potential energy associated with nonconservative forces.

Question 3

An important characteristic is that the work done by a nonconservative force adds or removes

Answer 3

mechanical energy from a system. Friction, for example, creates thermal energy that dissipates, removing energy from the system. Furthermore, even if the thermal energy is retained or captured, it cannot be fully converted back to work, so it is lost or not recoverable in that sense as well.

Question 4

Most important point: amount of nonconservative work equals

Answer 4

Change in mechanical energy