What is the conservation of energy principle?

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This is a fundamental concept in physics that applies to all natural processes. It means that the total energy in a closed system remains constant over time. For example, when you rub your hands together, the mechanical energy of the moving hands is transformed into thermal energy, which warms your hands, but the overall amount of energy stays the same.

This principle is critical for understanding how systems operate, whether they are mechanical, electrical, or chemical. It also underpins many laws of physics and helps predict how energy transfers occur in reactions and processes. Understanding this concept is essential for explaining phenomena in various fields such as thermodynamics, mechanics, and even in ecological systems where energy flows through food chains.