Energy flow diagram clearly explained in physics

An important constitution in the physics is the law of conservation of energy. To understand an energy flow diagram, you must first understand this basic physical law.

The law of conservation of energy in physics

• The law of conservation of energy is a principle of Natural sciences, that is, a basic physical law.
• It says that the total energy in a closed system remains constant. Within a closed system it is not possible energy to destroy. Energy is a conservation quantity.
• It is only possible to convert energy, for example from positional energy to kinetic energy or from kinetic energy to thermal energy.
• A closed system is a system without any exchange with its environment.
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An energy flow diagram makes energy conversions visible

• An energy flow diagram looks at a closed system, such as the flow of energy in Germany. The energy flows (amount per unit of time) are shown in the form of arrows, the width of which is proportional to the quantitative energy flow. The more energy flows (to households, industry, etc.), the thicker the arrow and vice versa.
• It is read from top to bottom or from left to right; for reasons of clarity, arrows can also move to the side. As a rule, the units are also called Counting indicated by each arrow.
• The amount of supplied and flowed energy in the energy flow diagram is identical according to the energy conservation law of physics.
• There are many examples on the Internet of an energy flow diagram as it is also used in physics, for example for Energy flow in Germany.

The energy flow diagram is not only used in physics

• With an energy flow diagram, not only energy flows in physics can be visualized.
• Other flows can also be mapped, such as logistical processes or cash flows.
• Such a diagram is called a Sankey diagram.