Which statement about energy conservation in a frictionless system is true?

Get ready for the NCEA Level 1 Energy Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with clear explanations and hints. Prepare for success!

Multiple Choice

Which statement about energy conservation in a frictionless system is true?

In a frictionless system, the total mechanical energy stays constant because there are no non-conservative forces (like friction) adding or removing energy. The object’s height can change, so gravitational potential energy (mgh) goes up or down, and the kinetic energy (1/2mv^2) adjusts accordingly. When height increases, kinetic energy drops; when height decreases, kinetic energy rises. The statement that the total mechanical energy remains constant, with kinetic and potential exchanging as height changes, captures this idea perfectly. Energy isn’t created during motion, and thermal energy doesn’t increase in a frictionless system, while the kinetic energy need not stay constant if height is changing.

In a frictionless system, the total mechanical energy stays constant because there are no non-conservative forces (like friction) adding or removing energy. The object’s height can change, so gravitational potential energy (mgh) goes up or down, and the kinetic energy (1/2mv^2) adjusts accordingly. When height increases, kinetic energy drops; when height decreases, kinetic energy rises. The statement that the total mechanical energy remains constant, with kinetic and potential exchanging as height changes, captures this idea perfectly. Energy isn’t created during motion, and thermal energy doesn’t increase in a frictionless system, while the kinetic energy need not stay constant if height is changing.

More practice questions