Energy can be _____ but not _____ or _____?

The principle that energy can be converted but not created or destroyed is rooted in the law of conservation of energy, a fundamental concept in physics. This law states that energy cannot be created from nothing nor can it be completely annihilated; it can only change forms. For example, during photosynthesis, solar energy is converted into chemical energy stored in plants, but no energy is lost or created in the process — it merely transforms from one type to another.

This aligns perfectly with the choices provided. The correct answer communicates that while we can change energy from one form to another (such as kinetic energy to potential energy), the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant. Understanding this principle is crucial for working with energy systems, including those in electrical grids and various engineering applications.

The other options either misrepresent the principles of energy conversion and conservation or suggest that energy can be created or destroyed, which contradicts established scientific understanding.