energy functions

Energy functions are mathematical representations used to describe how energy changes within a system. They help to identify the different states a system can take and how stable those states are. For example, in physics, an energy function can indicate potential energy based on position or kinetic energy based on movement. In optimization problems, energy functions guide solutions by evaluating how "good" a particular state is. Essentially, they help us understand and predict behaviors in various fields, like physics, biology, and economics, by showing how energy distribution affects system performance and stability.