Which one of the following forces cannot be expressed in terms of potential energy?
- Frictional force
- Coulomb's force
- Restoring force
- Gravitational force
Answer
(1) Frictional force
Solution
Potential energy can be defined only for a conservative force, i.e. a force whose work is independent of the path and is zero over a closed path (F = - dUdx).
Coulomb's force, gravitational force and the (spring) restoring force are conservative, so each has a potential energy.
Frictional force is non-conservative: its work depends on the path and is dissipated as heat, so no potential energy can be defined for it.
Answer: (1)