Final answer:
Energy is defined by the change that occurs when it changes form or moves from one object to another, often described as the transfer or transformation of energy, such as through work or heat. These processes are governed by the conservation of energy principle, which is a central concept in physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Energy is typically defined by the change that is caused when energy changes form or moves from one object to another. Energy transfers or transformations occur in various ways, such as the transfer of thermal energy (heat) from a higher temperature system to a lower temperature system or the transfer of mechanical energy when work is done on or by an object. For example, a wrecking ball transferring kinetic energy to a structure during demolition, or heat transferring from a hot cup of coffee to the cooler surrounding air. The conservation of energy principle, a fundamental concept in physics, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred.
Essential Knowledge 4.C.2 asserts that mechanical energy, which is the sum of kinetic and potential energy, is transferred into or out of a system via the process of work, which occurs when an external force is exerted on a system. Big Idea 5 underscores that changes resulting from interactions are constrained by conservation laws, such as the conservation of energy. Therefore, when matter moves or forces are applied, energy is redistributed within the system or between systems, but the total energy remains constant.