Energy Resources and Transfer: Conservation of Energy

Conservation of energy refers to the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed but only transferred from one form to another.
The idea behind energy conservation is that the total energy in a closed system remains unchanged over time. A closed system could be anything from an entire universe to a single atom.
There are mainly two types of energy: potential and kinetic. Potential energy is stored energy that has the potential to do work, while kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
An example of energy conservation can be seen in swinging pendulums where potential energy is transferred into kinetic energy and vice versa.
In terms of thermal energy transfer, heat flows from an area of high temperature to an area of low temperature until both areas reach thermal equilibrium. This concept is known as the second law of thermodynamics.
Loss of energy usually refers to energy being transformed into a form that is not useful for the task at hand; such as producing sound or heat. Despite this, the total energy still remains the same in line with the conservation of energy principle.
When calculating energy transfer, the equation used is Efficiency = Useful Energy Out / Total Energy In.
Bear in mind that efficiency can never be 100% due to energy losses, often in the form of heat.
One way of reducing energy loss is through insulation - such as in the walls of houses or in a vacuum flask.
Remember that renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power, do not deplete the Earth’s resources, whereas non-renewable energy sources, like fossil fuels, do. However, energy conservation principles apply to both.
Energy conservation also plays a crucial role in everyday life and long-term sustainability. Using energy more efficiently can reduce energy waste and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Finally, it’s important to understand the difference between energy conservation (where energy is saved by reducing wastage) and the principle of conservation of energy (where energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or stored).