Which statement best describes the law of conservation of energy?

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change from one form to another. This principle is fundamental in physics and applies to all processes, whether they are mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical. For instance, when you turn on a light bulb, electrical energy is transformed into light and heat energy.

In this context, the idea that energy can be transferred from one form to another encapsulates the essence of the conservation law. It acknowledges that while the total amount of energy stays constant in a closed system, the energy may manifest in various forms throughout different processes. Various practical scenarios—such as a falling object converting gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy—illustrate this transformation beautifully.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the law of conservation of energy. Some suggest that energy can be created and destroyed, which contradicts a fundamental principle of physics. Others imply that energy can only be lost or confined to potential energy, which misrepresents the broader concept of energy transformation and conservation.