Which of the following statements is (are) true?

(A) The total mechanical energy of a system, at any one instant, is either all kinetic or all potential energy.

(B) The total mechanical energy of a system is constant only if nondissipative interactions occur.

(C) The total mechanical energy of a system is constant only if dissipative interactions occur.

(D) The total mechanical energy of a system is equally divided between kinetic and potential energy.

(E) Mechanical energy can be dissipated to nonmechanical forms of energy.

B) True

E) True

Explanation:

As we know that the total mechanical energy is summation of potential energy and kinetic energy.

A) False

This statement is false because it say that all kinetic or all potential energy. This should not be all.

B) True

When dissipative interactions occurs then the total mechanical energy of the system can not be constant. But if nondissipative interactions occur then the total mechanical energy of the system is remain constant.

C) False

When dissipative interactions occurs then the total mechanical energy of the system can not be constant. But if nondissipative interactions occur then the total mechanical energy of the system is remain constant.

D) False

This is not true because we know that total mechanical energy is summation of potential energy and kinetic energy. But does not tell that it will be equally divided between kinetic and potential energy.

E) True

Yes it is true because the mechanical energy can be converted in to heat energy due to friction force.