Conserved Energy vs. Used Energy

[1irishman]

Homework Statement

I do not understand what it means to conserve momentum, or conserve kinetic energy etc.

Homework Equations

the 'laws of conservation.'

The Attempt at a Solution

I think of the word 'conserve' as not using or saving. Please help me understand?
Thank you.

 

[mgb_phys]

'conserved' in the sense of 'to keep'
Energy is conserved means there is no energy gained or lost in the process.

 

[1irishman]

Oh. So...position and/or motion...sorry...i'm still lost here...please help?

 

[cepheid]

Oh. So...position and/or motion...sorry...i'm still lost here...please help?

It's not really clear what you're asking. Can you clarify what you are still having difficulty with? Did you understand what was in mgb_phys's post?

 

[1irishman]

What "energy" is gained or lost? Gained or lost from where? What is energy?