law of conservation of energy
nounUK /lɔː əv ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən əv ˈenədʒi/
US /lɔ əv ˌkɑːnsərˈveɪʃən əv ˈenərdʒi/
Energy cannot be made or destroyed; it only changes from one form to another.
The law of conservation of energy explains why a swinging pendulum keeps moving back and forth.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A fundamental rule stating that the total energy of an isolated system stays the same over time.
Scientists rely on the law of conservation of energy when calculating how a roller coaster moves.
3. The idea that energy can be transformed but never lost, used to solve problems in mechanics.
Using the law of conservation of energy, we found the ball's speed at the bottom of the ramp.
4. A principle in physics that connects work, heat, and internal energy changes.
The law of conservation of energy helps engineers design efficient machines.