What does the law of conservation of energy state?

The law of conservation of energy is a fundamental principle in physics that states energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change forms or be transferred from one object to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant, even though it may change from kinetic energy to potential energy, or from electrical energy to thermal energy, for example.

When energy is transferred, such as when a moving object comes to a stop, its kinetic energy may convert into heat and sound energy rather than disappearing. This concept is crucial for understanding how energy flows in different systems, including mechanical, electrical, and chemical processes, and underscores the efficiency and limitations of energy use in real-world applications.

The other options do not accurately reflect the law of conservation of energy. For instance, saying energy can be created or destroyed contradicts this fundamental principle. Additionally, while it is true that some energy may be lost as heat during transfers, it does not mean that energy is lost in the system—rather, it changes into a less useful form, which the law does not dictate. Lastly, while energy conversion is indeed possible, stating it can happen "without limits" is misleading since energy transformation can be subject to efficiency constraints and laws of thermodynamics.