When a non-conservative force does work on a system, which of the following statements is true regarding the total mechanical energy (E)?
The NCERT text states: 'If the two forces on the body consist of a conservative force $F_c$ and a non-conservative force $F_{nc}$, the conservation of mechanical energy formula will have to be modified. By the WE theorem $(F_c + F_{nc}) \Delta x = \Delta K$. But $F_c \Delta x = - \Delta V$. Hence, $\Delta(K + V) = F_{nc} \Delta x$, which means $\Delta E = F_{nc} \Delta x$. Over the path this assumes the form $E_f - E_i = W_{nc}$ where $W_{nc}$ is the total work done by the non-conservative forces over the path.' Therefore, the total mechanical energy changes by an amount equal to the work done by the non-conservative force.