Topic 3: Conservation of Energy Flashcards
State the law of conservation of energy
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
How is gravitational potential energy calculated?
GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravity, h is height.
What are the main types of energy stores?
Kinetic, thermal, chemical, gravitational potential, elastic potential, magnetic, electrostatic, nuclear.
Name three ways energy can be transferred
Mechanically, electrically, by heating, or by radiation.
What is the efficiency equation?
Efficiency = (Useful energy output ÷ Total energy input) × 100%.
What are the units for power?
Watts (W).
Define thermal conductivity
A measure of how well a material conducts heat.
What is the formula for work done?
Work done = Force × Distance moved in the direction of the force.
What is wasted energy?
Energy that is not usefully transferred and dissipates into the surroundings.
What is meant by energy dissipation?
Energy spreading out into less useful forms, typically as heat.
