Engineering Vocab 1.2 Flashcards
Alternative Energy
Any source of energy other than fossil fuels that is used for constructive purposes.
Ampere
The unit of electric current in the meter-kilogram-second system of units. Referred to as amp and symbolized as A.
Biomass
Plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel.
Current
The net transfer of electric charge (electron movement along a path) per unit of time.
Electrical Energy
Energy caused by the movement of electrons.
Electricity
The flow of electrical power or charge.
Electromagnetic Induction
The production of electricity in conductors with the use of magnets.
Efficiency
The ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it.
Energy
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.
Energy Conversion
Changing one form of energy to another.
Environmental Protection Agency
An organization that works to develop and enforce regulations that implement environmental laws enacted by Congress.
Fossil Fuel
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
Generator
A dynamo or similar machine for converting mechanical energy into electricity.
Geothermal Energy
The use of heat from within the Earth or from the atmosphere near oceans.
Gravitational Energy
The state when objects are not yet in motion.
Induction
The production of an electric or magnetic state by the proximity (without contact) of an electrified or magnetized body.
Inexhaustible Energy
An energy source that will never run out.
Kinetic Energy
Energy which a body possesses by virtue of being in motion.
Nonrenewable Energy
A resource that cannot be replaced once used.
Ohm
The unit of electric resistance in the meter-kilogram-second system of units. Symbolized as Ω.
Ohm’s Law
States that the direct current flowing in an electric circuit is directly proportional to the voltage applied to the circuit.
Parallel Circuit
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.
Potential Energy
The energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or nature or because of the arrangement of parts.
Power Converter
Changes one form of power to another.
