Engineering Vocab 1.2

Question 1

Alternative Energy

Answer 1

Any source of energy other than fossil fuels that is used for constructive purposes.

Question 2

Ampere

Answer 2

The unit of electric current in the meter-kilogram-second system of units. Referred to as amp and symbolized as A.

Question 3

Biomass

Answer 3

Plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel.

Question 4

Current

Answer 4

The net transfer of electric charge (electron movement along a path) per unit of time.

Question 5

Electrical Energy

Answer 5

Energy caused by the movement of electrons.

Question 6

Electricity

Answer 6

The flow of electrical power or charge.

Question 7

Electromagnetic Induction

Answer 7

The production of electricity in conductors with the use of magnets.

Question 8

Efficiency

Answer 8

The ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it.

Question 9

Energy

Answer 9

A fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work.

Question 10

Energy Conversion

Answer 10

Changing one form of energy to another.

Question 11

Environmental Protection Agency

Answer 11

An organization that works to develop and enforce regulations that implement environmental laws enacted by Congress.

Question 12

Fossil Fuel

Answer 12

A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

Question 13

Generator

Answer 13

A dynamo or similar machine for converting mechanical energy into electricity.

Question 14

Geothermal Energy

Answer 14

The use of heat from within the Earth or from the atmosphere near oceans.

Question 15

Gravitational Energy

Answer 15

The state when objects are not yet in motion.

Question 16

Induction

Answer 16

The production of an electric or magnetic state by the proximity (without contact) of an electrified or magnetized body.

Question 17

Inexhaustible Energy

Answer 17

An energy source that will never run out.

Question 18

Kinetic Energy

Answer 18

Energy which a body possesses by virtue of being in motion.

Question 19

Nonrenewable Energy

Answer 19

A resource that cannot be replaced once used.

Question 20

Ohm

Answer 20

The unit of electric resistance in the meter-kilogram-second system of units. Symbolized as Ω.

Question 21

Ohm’s Law

Answer 21

States that the direct current flowing in an electric circuit is directly proportional to the voltage applied to the circuit.

Question 22

Parallel Circuit

Answer 22

A closed electrical circuit in which the current is divided into two or more paths and then returns via a common path to complete the circuit.

Question 23

Potential Energy

Answer 23

The energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or nature or because of the arrangement of parts.

Question 24

Power Converter

Answer 24

Changes one form of power to another.

Question 25

Power Grid

Answer 25

A system that links electricity produced in power stations to deliver it to where it is needed.

Question 26

Renewable Energy

Answer 26

A resource that can be replaced when needed.

Question 27

Resistance

Answer 27

The opposition that a device or material offers to the flow of direct current.

Question 28

Work

Answer 28

A result of a force moving an object a certain distance.

Question 29

Turbine

Answer 29

A machine for producing power in which a wheel or rotor is made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, steam, gas, or air.

Question 30

Power

Answer 30

The rate at which work is performed or energy is expended.

Question 31

Rotor

Answer 31

The rotating member of an electrical machine.

Question 32

Series Circuit

Answer 32

A circuit in which all parts are connected end to end to provide a single path of current.

Question 33

Volt

Answer 33

The unit of potential difference symbolized as V.

Question 34

Voltage

Answer 34

The potential difference measured in volts. The amount of work to be done to move a charge from one point to another along an electric circuit.