If work is done on a system by non-conservative forces, the total mechanical energy of a system stays constant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If work is done on a system by non-conservative forces, the total mechanical energy of a system can change as some of the energy is converted into forms such as thermal, sound or other forms of energy. This is because non-conservative forces can do work that is not path independent and therefore, the change in energy of the system may depend on the path taken by the forces.

If Work Is Done on a System by Non-Conservative Forces