When calculating the work done by non-conservative forces, what value is considered?

The calculation of work done by non-conservative forces takes into account the net energy change in a system. Non-conservative forces, such as friction or air resistance, can add or remove energy from a system, which directly affects its mechanical energy. In contrast to conservative forces, which conserve mechanical energy and only depend on the initial and final positions of an object, non-conservative forces can result in a transformation between different forms of energy, including kinetic and potential energies.

In this context, considering the net energy change means looking at the total work input or output in the system, which encompasses any changes due to non-conservative forces acting during the process. While the magnitude of kinetic energy or potential energy might give insight into certain aspects of motion or energy transformation, they do not account for the total effect of non-conservative forces on the system's energy. Thus, focusing on the net energy change provides a more comprehensive view of how work is done by non-conservative forces within a system.