Nice discussion of Phase Space
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_space
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In mathematics and physics, phase space is the space in which all possible states of a system are represented, with each possible state of the system corresponding to one unique point in the phase space. For mechanical systems, the phase space usually consists of all possible values of position and momentum variables. A plot of position and momentum variables as a function of time is sometimes called a phase diagram.
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In a conservative system, momentum (velocity) is conserved, i.e. not dissipated (reduced), and a particular set (domain) of position and momentum (velocity) statepoints remains. In SHM, e.g. pendulum, the velocity and position have a preserved relationship.
In a dissipative system, the momentum (velocity) is continually decreasing as a function of position/displacement, as energy is lost (dissipated) with continued motion, until the magnitude of velocity (speed) reaches zero as kinetic energy reaches zero.
Similar discussions for: Dissipative vs. conservative
