Energy is the ability to do work. It comes in many forms?such as kinetic energy (energy of motion), potential energy (stored energy), thermal energy (heat), chemical energy, and more. Work occurs when a force moves an object over a distance. The amount of work is calculated by multiplying force by distance (W = F ? d). Energy can change from one form to another, a process called energy transformation. For example, in a flashlight, chemical energy from the battery is transformed into electrical energy and then into light. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form. This principle explains why machines need a power source and why no machine is 100% efficient?some energy is always lost as heat. Understanding how energy and work interact helps engineers design more efficient systems and explains everything from how we move to how we power cities.