Why frictional force is non conservative force?

1 Answer
Mark C.
Sep 9, 2017

Not sure I'm used to hearing it in those terms, but I think I know what you (your teacher?) might mean.

Explanation:

Friction opposes any motion, and dissipates kinetic energy (highly organised) in the form of heat/thermal energy which is highly disorganised. As such, it could be termed non-conservative, because #E_k# appears to have been 'lost'.

Please forgive me if I've given a childishly simple answer to a very profound question that I have misunderstood!

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