Answer to Question #171787 in Physics for Makaia

Question

In a system with friction, what is the mathematical relationship between kinetic, potential and heat energy dissipated?

Answer 1

According to the work-energy theorem, the change in the mechanical energy of the system is equal to the negative work of the dissipative forces:

$$-W_{fr} = \Delta K + \Delta U$$

where $W_{fr}$ is the work of the dissipative forces (heat energy dissipated), $\Delta K$ is the change in kinetic, and $\Delta U$ is the change in potential energies.