Physics Flashcards
Define Energy
The ability to do work.
Define and explain Kinetic energy
The energy an object has because of its motion. The energy of motion observable as the movement of an object or subatomic particle.
Define and explain Potential energy
Energy stored inside of an object. For example, an object possesses potential energy when it is above the ground but not yet dropped.
Define and explain Light energy
A kind of energy with the ability to make types of light visible to the human eye.
Define and explain Thermal energy
The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature. The movement of molecules within an object or substance.
Define and explain Electrical energy
The power an atom’s charged particles have to cause an action or move an object. The energy generated by the movement of electrons from one point to another.
Define and explain Elastic energy
Energy stored in an object due to a force that temporarily changes its shape such as squashing or stretching.
Define and explain Gravitational energy
The energy stored in an object due to its height above the Earth (e.g. if its further away or above the ground)
Define and explain Chemical energy
Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, like atoms and molecules. This energy is released after a chemical reaction takes place. Usually, once a chemical energy is released from a substance, that substance becomes a completely new substance.
Define and explain Nuclear energy
A form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons. This energy can be produced in two ways: fission, when nuclei of atoms split apart into separate parts. Or fusion, when nuclei fuse together.
Define and explain Biomass energy
A renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals. Biomass contains stored chemical energy from the sun that is produced by plants through photosynthesis.
Define the first law of thermodynamics/ the law of conservation of energy
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but can be transferred from one form to another.
Define energy transformation
The change of energy from one form to another. For example, an electric lamp goes from electrical energy to light energy with the byproduct of heat energy.
Define energy efficiency
The ratio between the useful output and input of an energy conversion process.
What is the formula for energy efficiency?
Useful Energy Output
——————————- x 100%
Total Input Energy
