What is the principle of conservation of energy?

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy can be transformed from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed. This foundational concept in physics emphasizes that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant over time. For instance, when energy is converted from kinetic energy to potential energy (such as when a ball is thrown up into the air), the total energy throughout these transformations remains the same.

Understanding this principle is crucial in various fields of science, as it underpins many processes in thermodynamics, mechanics, and other areas. In practical terms, this means that in any given process, the energy present before and after the transformation will be equal, thus highlighting the concept of energy conservation. This principle is essential for analyzing systems in both natural phenomena and engineered solutions.