The term for the idea that matter and energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only changed from one form to another, is known as the Law of Conservation of Energy. This principle is also referred to as the First Law of Thermodynamics.
In simpler terms, this law states that the total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant over time. Energy can transform from one type to another, such as potential energy turning into kinetic energy, but the total energy remains unchanged. This concept is fundamental in physics and has wide-ranging applications in various fields, including engineering, chemistry, and environmental science.
For example, when you burn wood, the chemical energy stored in the wood is converted into heat and light energy. The total amount of energy before and after the burning process remains the same, even though the form of energy has changed.