What principle states that energy can change forms but is always conserved?

What principle states that energy can change forms but is always conserved?

• A. Law of conservation of matter
• B. Conservation of energy
• C. First law of thermodynamics
• D. Energy transfer theory

Answer: (B)

The principle that energy can change forms but is always conserved is known as the conservation of energy. This fundamental concept in physics asserts that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another, such as from kinetic energy to potential energy, or from thermal energy to mechanical energy. While the choices involving the law of conservation of matter, the first law of thermodynamics, and energy transfer theory relate to various aspects of physics, they do not specifically encapsulate the idea of energy conservation in the same direct manner as the conservation of energy. The first law of thermodynamics does indeed affirm the conservation of energy, but it frames it within the context of thermodynamic processes, making the term "conservation of energy" more straightforward and widely applicable across different scenarios in mechanics. Thus, the conservation of energy is the most concise and accurate phrase to describe this principle.

The principle that energy can change forms but is always conserved is known as the conservation of energy. This fundamental concept in physics asserts that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another, such as from kinetic energy to potential energy, or from thermal energy to mechanical energy.

While the choices involving the law of conservation of matter, the first law of thermodynamics, and energy transfer theory relate to various aspects of physics, they do not specifically encapsulate the idea of energy conservation in the same direct manner as the conservation of energy. The first law of thermodynamics does indeed affirm the conservation of energy, but it frames it within the context of thermodynamic processes, making the term "conservation of energy" more straightforward and widely applicable across different scenarios in mechanics. Thus, the conservation of energy is the most concise and accurate phrase to describe this principle.