What does the law of conservation of energy state?

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This principle emphasizes that the total energy of an isolated or closed system remains constant over time. For instance, when energy transforms from kinetic to potential energy or vice versa, the overall amount of energy in the system does not change; it merely changes its form.

This concept is fundamental in various fields of physics as it explains how energy interacts in mechanical systems, thermal processes, and many other applications. The idea that energy can change form but remains constant helps in understanding phenomena ranging from simple mechanical systems, like pendulums, to complex systems, like the laws governing thermodynamics in engines.

The incorrect options may suggest misunderstanding of this principle, as they imply that energy can be created or destroyed, which contradicts this fundamental law.