SDI Introduction to Physical Science (SC1-101) Practice Test

The statement that energy can only be transformed from one form to another is a fundamental principle of the law of conservation of energy. This law dictates that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change from one form to another, such as from potential energy to kinetic energy or thermal energy. This transformation ensures that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant, although its form may change based on the processes occurring within that system.

Energy transfer does not inherently require motion; rather, it can occur through processes such as conduction or radiation, which do not necessitate the movement of material objects. Additionally, energy transfer is never 100% efficient in real-world scenarios because some energy is always lost to the environment, often as heat, when energy transforms or when systems interact. Recognizing these principles helps in understanding energy systems in physics and chemistry, providing a foundation for further exploration in physical science.