Question

A process occurs in which a system’s potential energy decreases while the system does work on the environment. Does the system’s kinetic energy increase, decrease, or stay the same? Or is there not enough information to tell? Explain.

Short answer

The change in kinetic energy cannot be determined since there is insufficient data.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Equation for the conservation of energy is as follows,

$K_{\mathrm{i}}+U_{\mathrm{i}}+W=K_{\mathrm{f}}+U_{\mathrm{f}}+\Delta E_{\mathrm{th}}$

Here $K_{\mathrm{i}}$is the initial kinetic energy, $U_{\mathrm{i}}$initial potential energy, $K_{\mathrm{f}}$is the final kinetic energy, $U_{\mathrm{f}}$final potential energy. $\Delta E_{\text{th}}$is the thermal energy and $W$is the work done.

Explanation

The system's effort and lost potential energy could boost kinetic energy, or it's more likely that all of the work and potential energy loss is converted to thermal energy. $\left(\Delta E_{\text{th}}\right)$. As a result, there is insufficient data to determine the change in kinetic energy.