Energy is a fundamental concept in physics, representing the ability to perform work or cause change. It exists in various forms, such as [[Kinetic Energy||kinetic energy]] associated with motion, [[Potential Energy|potential energy]] stored in a system due to its position, thermal energy arising from molecular motion, and chemical energy stored in [[Atom|atomic]] bonds. Energy can also exist in [[Electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] and nuclear forms, each playing a crucial role in natural and technological processes. The *conservation of energy* principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This underlies all physical interactions, from the movement of planets to the function of biological systems and engineered machines. In [[Thermodynamics|thermodynamics]], energy governs heat transfer and the efficiency of systems, determining whether processes are reversible or lead to entropy increase. [[Quantum Mechanics|Quantum mechanics]] reveals that energy is [[Discreteness|quantized]], influencing the behavior of particles and governing interactions at atomic and subatomic [[Length Scales||scales]]. In quantum physics, researchers often describe and model systems based on their energy, when they work with so-called [[Hamiltonian Operator||Hamiltonians]]. >[!read]- Further Reading >- [[Discreteness]] >- [[Quantum Mechanics]] >[!ref]- References