What happens to the energy of a system when work is done on it?

When work is done on a system, energy is transferred into that system. This occurs because work, in the context of physics, is defined as the process of energy transfer that occurs when a force is applied over a distance. Therefore, when you do work on a system, such as compressing a spring or moving an object against a resistive force, you are effectively adding energy to that system.

As a result, the total energy of the system increases. This increase can manifest as an increase in kinetic energy, potential energy, or internal energy, depending on the type of work done and the nature of the system. This principle is consistent with the work-energy theorem, which states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

In scenarios where work is done on a system, it is essential to recognize that this energy input leads to an overall increase in the system’s total energy.