Final answer:
The energy of the laser beam is less than the energy put into the laser due to system inefficiencies and energy losses, such as heat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to the energy put into a laser, the energy of the laser beam is generally less than the input energy. This is because no system is 100% efficient due to energy losses, primarily in the form of heat. When a laser is powered, the electrical energy that is input into the system is used to excite electrons in the lasing material, which then release photons. However, not all of the input energy is converted into the energy of photons. Some is lost in the process, thus making the energy of the laser beam less than the input energy.