A system has both potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE). According to the law of conservation of energy, what can happen to the total energy of the
system?

A. It must stay the same, but kinetic energy (KE) can be transformed to PE and PE can be transformed to KE within the system.

Explanation:

Energy can be defined as the ability (capacity) to do work. The two (2) main types of energy are;

a. Potential energy (PE): it is an energy possessed by an object or body due to its position above the earth.

Mathematically, potential energy is given by the formula;

Where,

b. Kinetic energy (KE): it is an energy possessed by an object or body due to its motion.

Mathematically, kinetic energy is given by the formula;

Where;

Furthermore, the total energy of a physical object or body is the sum of the potential energy and kinetic energy possessed by the object or body.

Mathematically, it is given by the formula;

Total energy = P.E + K.E

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be destroyed but can only be transformed or converted from one form to another.

In this scenario, a system has both potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE).

According to the law of conservation of energy, we can infer or deduce that the total energy of the system must stay the same because it cannot be destroyed, but kinetic energy (KE) can be transformed to potential energy (PE) and potential energy (PE) can be transformed to kinetic energy (KE) within the system.

gravitational energy

electrical energy

kinetic energy

ligh energy