Which principle states that energy is neither created nor destroyed but transformed into other forms?

The principle stating that energy is neither created nor destroyed but transformed into other forms is known as Conservation of Energy. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and emphasizes that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant over time. It means that while energy can change from one form to another—such as potential energy to kinetic energy, or thermal energy to mechanical energy—the total amount of energy in the system does not change.

Understanding this principle is essential in various fields, including mechanics, thermodynamics, and even chemistry, as it allows scientists and engineers to predict how energy will transfer and transform in different processes and systems. For example, when an object falls, the gravitational potential energy it has when elevated is converted to kinetic energy as it descends, demonstrating the conservation of energy in action.

This principle is distinct from the Law of Conservation of Mass, which deals specifically with matter, stating that mass is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions. Thermodynamics laws encompass a broader range of principles regarding energy transfer and transformations. The Principle of Energy Exchange might be a more general term but does not specifically convey the fundamental idea that the total energy remains constant.