What does the principle of conservation of energy state?

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. This fundamental concept emphasizes that in any process, the total amount of energy remains constant, although it may change from kinetic energy to potential energy, thermal energy, or other forms. This is crucial in understanding how energy flows and is utilized in various physical systems, such as in mechanical systems, electrical circuits, or chemical reactions.

For example, when a ball is thrown upward, kinetic energy is converted into potential energy as it rises, and then that potential energy converts back into kinetic energy as it falls. Throughout the entire process, the total energy remains unchanged. This principle underlies many scientific theories and applications in physics, making it essential for analyzing energy systems accurately.