---
title: "Conservative Forces — AP Physics 1 Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Conservative forces (gravity, springs) store work as potential energy instead of dissipating it, which is why mechanical energy stays constant in SHM problems."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/conservative-forces"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics 1"
---

# Conservative Forces — AP Physics 1 Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Conservative forces are forces that do not dissipate mechanical energy as they act on objects within a system. They conserve mechanical energy by transforming one form of mechanical energy into another without any loss.

## Related Study Guides

- [6.2 Energy of a Simple Harmonic Oscillator](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-6/energy-simple-harmonic-oscillator/study-guide/lNflbqbIly6vFgeyLwmO)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Non-conservative Forces: Forces that dissipate mechanical energy as they act on objects within a system, such as friction or air resistance.
- [Work](/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/work): The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and it moves in the direction of the force.
- [Conservation of Energy](/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/conservation-of-energy): The principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed from one form to another.