According to the law of conservation of energy, what can be said about energy?

Study for the LC Chemistry Exam. Enhance your preparation with flashcards and thrilling multiple-choice questions, each adorned with hints and explanations. Gear up for success!

The principle that energy can only be changed from one form to another aligns perfectly with the law of conservation of energy, which states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant, although it may change from one form to another.

For example, when a car accelerates, the chemical energy stored in gasoline is converted into kinetic energy, taking the car from rest to motion. Similarly, when you lift an object, you convert kinetic energy (from your muscles) into gravitational potential energy. No energy is lost; instead, it is transformed, which is essential in understanding various physical processes.

In contrast, the idea that energy can be created and destroyed or that energy loss must be compensated by an increase in mass does not hold according to the law of conservation of energy. These concepts are not supported by the fundamental principles of physics. Moreover, while energy can change form between kinetic and potential, the conservation law is broader and encompasses all forms of energy, not just kinetic and potential energy. Thus, energy transformations include thermal, electrical, and other types as well.

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