Law of conservation of energy

Definition

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In closed systems, the total energy remains constant over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the Sun, nuclear fusion converts hydrogen into helium, transforming mass into energy according to this law.
2. Thermal energy in the Sun results from nuclear reactions and is distributed outward via radiation and convection.
3. Gravitational energy during the Sun's formation was converted into thermal energy, contributing to its initial heat.
4. This law explains why the Sun has been able to shine for billions of years by efficiently converting mass into energy.
5. Energy transformations in the Sun illustrate how gravitational potential energy can become thermal and nuclear energy.

Review Questions

• How does the law of conservation of energy apply to nuclear fusion in the Sun?
• What role did gravitational energy play in the early development of the Sun?
• Why is it significant that energy cannot be created or destroyed when considering the longevity of the Sun?

Related terms

nuclearFusion: The process by which atomic nuclei combine, releasing vast amounts of energy.

thermalEnergy: The internal kinetic energy contained within a system due to its temperature.

gravitationalPotentialEnergy: Energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field.