law of energy conservation
nounEnergy cannot be made or destroyed; it only changes from one form to another.
The law of energy conservation explains why a swinging pendulum keeps moving back and forth without gaining extra energy.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The principle that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant over time.
In a closed system, the law of energy conservation guarantees that the total energy stays the same even as it transforms.
3. A fundamental rule in physics stating that energy can be converted but never created or eliminated.
Engineers apply the law of energy conservation when designing efficient machines.
4. The idea that energy is always accounted for, whether as heat, light, motion, or stored energy.
The law of energy conservation helps scientists track where energy goes in chemical reactions.