Based on the Law of Conservation of Energy, which of the below is true?

Question

Kinetic energy is equal to potential energy minus temperature.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed by ordinary chemical or physical means.

Potential energy is equal to thermal energy plus kinetic energy.

Kinetic energy is always equal to potential energy.

Answer 1

Based on the Law of Conservation of Energy, the correct statement is:

Energy cannot be created or destroyed by ordinary chemical or physical means.

This principle means that the total energy in a closed system remains constant; energy may change forms (e.g., from potential to kinetic), but it cannot be created or eliminated.

The other statements provided are not true in the context of the law:

• Kinetic energy is not defined as "potential energy minus temperature."
• Potential energy is not equal to thermal energy plus kinetic energy; rather, the total mechanical energy of a system is the sum of potential and kinetic energy, whereas thermal energy is separate.
• Kinetic energy is not always equal to potential energy; they can convert into each other but are not inherently equal.