key term - Conservation of Energy

Definition

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change forms. In an isolated system, total energy remains constant.

Related terms

Potential Energy:

This is stored energy due to position, shape, or state. For example, water behind a dam has potential gravitational energy because it could flow down if released.

Kinetic Energy:

This is the type of mechanical work done by an object due to its motion. For instance, moving car possesses kinetic energy because it's in motion.

Thermodynamics:

Thermodynamics studies heat transfer and conversion among different forms of energies including potential and kinetic energies.