Energy Flashcards
What is energy?
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change
Energy exists in various forms and can be converted from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed (Law of Conservation of Energy)
Define kinetic energy.
Energy of a moving object
Example: A moving car, flowing water, wind.
Define potential energy.
Stored energy due to an object’s position or shape
Example: Water behind a dam, a stretched rubber band.
Define thermal energy.
Energy related to the temperature of an object; the kinetic energy of particles
Example: Heat from a stove, the Sun.
Define chemical energy.
Stored energy in chemical bonds
Example: Energy in food, batteries, or fuels.
Define electrical energy.
Energy from moving electric charges
Example: Power from a generator, lightning.
Define light (radiant) energy.
Energy carried by electromagnetic waves
Example: Sunlight, light bulbs.
Define sound energy.
Energy from vibrating particles creating sound waves
Example: Music, speaking.
Define nuclear energy.
Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom
Example: Energy from nuclear power plants, the Sun (fusion).
What are common energy conversions?
- Electrical → Light + Heat
- Chemical → Kinetic + Heat
- Gravitational Potential → Kinetic
- Light → Chemical
- Kinetic → Electrical
What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it only changes forms
Example: In a pendulum, potential energy at the highest point converts into kinetic energy as it swings downward.
What happens at the top of a pendulum swing?
Maximum Potential Energy, Zero Kinetic Energy
What happens at the middle of a pendulum swing?
Maximum Kinetic Energy, Zero Potential Energy
Fill in the blank: Electrical energy → _______ energy (to heat water).
Thermal
Fill in the blank: Chemical energy (from food) → _______ energy (pedaling) → Heat (body warms up).
Kinetic
Fill in the blank: Kinetic energy → _______ energy (friction between brakes and wheels).
Heat