What principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can change forms?

The principle that states energy cannot be created or destroyed but can change forms is known as the Law of Conservation of Energy. This law is fundamental in understanding various physical processes, as it implies that while the type of energy may change—such as kinetic energy transforming into potential energy during the motion of a pendulum—the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant.

Understanding this principle is essential in fields ranging from physics to engineering and even environmental science because it helps in analyzing how energy flows and transforms in different contexts, like in engines, ecosystems, and more. By recognizing that energy can only be transformed and not wholly generated or annihilated, one can better gauge energy efficiency and conservation efforts in practical applications.

The other principles listed have distinct definitions; for example, the Law of Conservation of Mass focuses on mass being constant in a closed system, the Laws of Thermodynamics govern energy transfers and transformations and deal with heat and work, while the Laws of Motion, established by Newton, pertain to the motion of objects in response to forces. Each of these laws plays a critical role in their respective domains, but it is the Law of Conservation of Energy that specifically addresses the changes in energy form without loss or gain in total energy.