Question

In physical terms, explain why friction is a nonconservative force. Does it store energy for future use?

Short answer

As friction changes the body’s internal energy, that is the main reason it is not a conservative force. It does not store energy for future use.

Step-by-step solution

Significance of the friction

Friction is described as a force that mainly opposes the motion of a particular object. The frictional force is described as the product of the frictional coefficient and the normal force.

Explanation of the frictional force

In a conservative force, the work done by a particle is not dependent on the path taken for the work done. Hence the mechanical energy gets conserved. According to the question, the frictional force mainly depends on the path.

Friction mainly dissipates the mechanical energy in the form of heat. The mechanical energy is dependent on the path. Hence, the mechanical energy does not get conserved.

Thus, as friction changes the body’s internal energy, that is the main reason it is not a conservative force. It does not store energy for future use.