Conservation of energy and matter

Question 1

What is the Law of Conservation of Matter?

Answer 1

The Law of Conservation of Matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical or physical process. The total amount of matter remains constant, though it may change forms (e.g., solid to gas).

This law is fundamental to understanding chemical reactions, where the mass of the products equals the mass of the reactants.

Question 2

What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Answer 2

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in chemical or physical processes. It can only change forms, such as converting from chemical energy to thermal energy, but the total amount of energy remains constant.

This principle is crucial in both physics and chemistry, particularly in thermodynamic systems.

Question 3

What is mechanical energy and what are its two forms?

Answer 3

Mechanical energy is the energy associated with the motion or position of an object. It has two forms: kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy due to position or condition).

Mechanical energy is often conserved in the absence of external forces like friction, combining kinetic and potential energies to remain constant.

Question 4

What are the main forms of energy besides mechanical energy?

Answer 4

The main forms of energy include chemical, electrical, thermal, electromagnetic, and nuclear energy. Each form can be converted into another, depending on the process.

These different forms of energy are central to understanding complex systems like electrical grids, engines, and biological processes.

Question 5

In the case of a turning on a heater, what conversion of energy is in effect?

Answer 5

In the case of a heater, electrical energy is converted into thermal energy.

Energy transformations are key concepts in fields like engineering, environmental science, and everyday technology use.