Answer
(a) A conservative field defines as a vector field which is the gradient of a function, it is also known as a scalar potential function. A conservative vector field is path independent and irrational. Mathematically, it is written as: $\nabla f=F$
(b) The potential function for a conservative vector field $F$ is a function $f$ such that $\nabla f=F$.
Work Step by Step
(a) A conservative field defines as a vector field which is the gradient of a function, it is also known as a scalar potential function. A conservative vector field is path independent and irrational. Mathematically, it is written as: $\nabla f=F$
(b) The potential function for a conservative vector field $F$ is a function $f$ such that $\nabla f=F$.