If energy is transformed but not created, what is this an example of?

The principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only be transformed from one form to another is known as the conservation of energy. This fundamental concept in physics states that the total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant, even though it may change from one form (like kinetic, potential, thermal, etc.) to another.

For example, when you rub your hands together, mechanical energy is transformed into thermal energy due to friction, which warms your hands. This is a clear demonstration of energy transformation, affirming that while the form of energy changes, the total amount of energy remains unchanged.

Understanding this principle is crucial because it underpins many scientific fields, including thermodynamics and mechanics, allowing for the prediction of how energy will flow and transform in different systems.