What can you conclude about the kinetic and potential energy in a closed system?

In a closed system, the principle of conservation of energy asserts that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This is particularly relevant when discussing kinetic and potential energy.

The correct conclusion is that kinetic energy can be completely converted to potential energy. This transformation can be observed in various physical scenarios, such as the way a pendulum swings. As it moves upward, kinetic energy (due to its motion) is converted into potential energy (due to its height). When the pendulum reaches the peak of its swing, its kinetic energy is momentarily zero, while its potential energy is at a maximum.

This ability to convert kinetic energy into potential energy, and vice versa, highlights the interdependence of these forms of energy within the confines of a closed system, where the total amount of mechanical energy remains constant (assuming no energy is lost to friction or air resistance). Therefore, understanding this conversion process is critical for analyzing energy states in system dynamics.