Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R 

Assertion A: In a central force field, the work done is independent of the path chosen

Reason R: Every force encountered in mechanics does not have an associated potential energy.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

Assertion (A): In a central force field, the work done is independent of the path chosen.

• A central force is a force that acts along the line joining a particle to a fixed center (e.g., gravitational and electrostatic forces).
• Central forces are conservative, meaning the work done depends only on the initial and final positions, not the path taken.
• Assertion is true.

Reason (R): Every force encountered in mechanics does not have an associated potential energy.

• Conservative forces (e.g., gravitational, electrostatic, and spring force) have associated potential energy.
• Non-conservative forces (e.g., friction, air resistance) do not have potential energy because they dissipate energy.
• Reason is also true.

• However, the reason (R) does not directly explain why work done is path-independent in central forces.
• Instead, (R) discusses all forces in mechanics, including non-conservative forces, which is not directly related to (A).