concepts Flashcards
biomass
Material originating from plants and animals that is used as an energy source.
chemical energy
Energy in fuels.
energy source
Anything that can provide a usable type of energy.
energy transition
The transition from non-renewable energy sources to sustainable, climate-neutral energy sources.
fossil fuel
A fuel such as petroleum, natural gas or coal that originated from the remains of plants and animals.
geothermal heat
Heat from the deeper layers inside the earth.
heat exchanger
Device in which heat is transferred from one substance to another.
kinetic energy
Energy that moving objects have as a result of the fact that they are moving.
radiant energy
Energy from the radiation that an object emits, such as energy from sunlight.
solar cell
The part of a solar panel that converts the radiant energy of sublight into electrical energy.
solar collector
Device that converts the radiant energy of sunlight into heat, which heats water.
wind turbine
Modern windmill that produces electrical energy.
calorimeter
Device that lets you measure how much heat us required to heat a certain amount of water.
electrical energy
Energy supplied by voltage sources, such as batteries and dynamos.
energy conversion
Process in which one type of energy is changed into another type.
energy flow diagram
Schematic representation of an energy conversion.
heat
Type of energy that can increase the speed of movement of the molecules in a substance.
heat source
Device that supplies heat.
law of conservation of energy
The rule that states that no energy is lost in an energy conversion.
quality
Value, worth. The quality of a type of energy defines how easy it is to use that type of energy.
quantity
A measurable amount.
specific heat
The amount of heat required to increase the temperature of 1g of a specific substance by 1°C.
conduction
Process in which heat spreads through a stationary substance.
convection
Process in which a liquid or gas starts to move and so takes the heat with it.
dynamic equilibrium
A balance that is re-established after every change, such as the balance between heat production and heat loss in a house.
insulation
Measures that you can take to minimize heat loss (from a home).
radiation
Process in which radiant heat spreads (as small packets of radiant energy).
calorific value
Heat that is released when a certain amount of fuel is burned.
efficiency
The amount of energy that is usefully usable as a percentage of the total energy that is converted.
