Question

The force of gravity is a:

• A. Strong force
• B. Noncentral force
• C. Nonconservative force
• D. Contact force
• E. Conservative force

Hint:

The force of gravity is conservative because the work done by it depends only on the initial and final positions of the objects, not the path followed.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

The force of gravity is a fundamental force that acts between two objects with mass. It is classified as a conservative force because the work done by gravity only depends on the initial and final positions of the objects and not on the path taken. In other words, the work done by gravity around a closed loop is zero, which is a characteristic of conservative forces.
Explanation of other options:
- (A) Strong force: The strong force is a fundamental force that holds the nuclei of atoms together. It is not the force of gravity.
- (B) Noncentral force: The gravitational force is a central force, meaning it acts along the line joining the centers of mass of two objects.
- (C) Nonconservative force: A nonconservative force is one where the work done depends on the path taken, such as friction. Gravity is a conservative force, not a nonconservative one.
- (D) Contact force: The force of gravity acts at a distance and does not require contact between objects, so it is not a contact force.
Thus, the correct answer is option (E), conservative force.