What happens to energy in a closed system according to the law of conservation of energy?

In a closed system, the law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can change forms. This means that while the total amount of energy within that system remains constant, it can be transformed from one type to another. For example, kinetic energy can be converted into potential energy, and thermal energy can also be generated from the interactions of particles. Understanding this principle is fundamental in physics, as it underpins many processes observed in various natural and artificial systems.

The notion that energy can only be lost through heat suggests a misunderstanding of the broader implications of conservation. While energy can dissipate in the form of heat in some processes, it is still conserved within the entire system. The idea of energy increasing indefinitely or being created from nothing contradicts the fundamental principle of conservation, as it would violate the established laws of thermodynamics. Thus, the accurate interpretation of energy behavior in a closed system aligns with the understanding that it remains constant while changing forms.