Chapter 2 Flashcards
chemical potential energy
the energy stored in the chemical bonds of a compound; can be released by processes such as combustion or digestion.
electromagnetic radiation
waves (or photons) of pure energy at any wave length in the electromagnetic spectrum.
electromagnetic spectrum
the entire range of wave lengths of electromagnetic radiation from long wave length radio waves to short wave length X-rays and gamma rays; includes micro waves, infrared radiation, visible light, and ultra violet light.
fission
a nuclear chain reaction in which a neutron shatters the nucleus of a heavy element producing nuclear fragments and additional free neutrons that shatter other nuclei.
fusion
a nuclear reaction in which two hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse together to form a helium nucleus, releasing energy in the process
gravitational potential energy
stored energy due to an object’s location in a gravitational field.
heat
energy in transit from a warm body to a cooler one by means of infrared radiation, thermal conduction, or convection.
hydroelectric power
the generation of electricity by damming water and allowing the water behind the dam to fall through a turbine generator system
kinetic energy
energy an object possesses by virtue of its motion.
nuclear energy
the use of controlled nuclear fission to produce steam which can then power a turbine and generate electricity
photon
a single quantum of electromagnetic energy.
photovoltaic cell
a semiconductor device that converts light into electrical signals.
quantized
divided into discrete lumps or packets; noncontinuous
quantum
Albert Einstein theorized in 1905 that all energy is divided into discrete packets called quanta. a single packet of energy is called a quantum of energy.
solar cell
a semiconductor device that converts energy in sunlight into electricity.
