Final answer:
The total force applied will equal the amount of energy transferred in the form of work done, as long as there is no friction or other forces dissipating energy. In a no-friction scenario, the work done by the applied force is equal to the energy stored in the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the concept of work and energy in physics, particularly under the condition of no friction. Work done (W) by a force (F) occurs when that force causes an object to move through a distance (s), and is calculated as W = F × s. In the absence of friction, the total force applied is equivalent to the net external force. Supposing a constant velocity, we infer that the applied force is counterbalanced by an equal and opposing force, which is frequently due to friction. Therefore, the work done by the applied force translates entirely into the work required to oppose friction, not changing the kinetic energy of the object.
Considering a scenario involving Hooke's law, where Fapp = kx, the work done is the area under the force versus deformation graph, amounting to (1/2)kx². Here, the work done by the applied force becomes the potential energy stored in the system. If no energy is lost to friction or other non-conservative forces, then the whole work done by the applied force translates into energy within the system, demonstrating the conservation of energy. However, with friction, work equal to the friction force times the distance (Wf = f × d') would be subtracted from the total work done since this energy is dissipated as heat and does not contribute to the object's kinetic or potential energy.