Unit 9 Flashcards
What is Kinetic Energy?
Energy of motion; depends on mass and velocity of an object.
What is Potential Energy?
Stored energy based on an object’s position or condition (e.g., chemical energy in fossil fuels).
What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred.
What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?
Same as the law of conservation of energy — energy input = energy output + waste.
What is the Second Law of Thermodynamics?
In every energy transfer, some energy is lost as heat; systems tend toward increased entropy.
What is Renewable Energy?
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass).
What is Nonrenewable Energy?
Energy from sources that cannot be replenished on a human timescale (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas).
What are Fossil Fuels?
Energy sources formed from ancient plant and animal remains: coal, oil, and natural gas.
What is Nuclear Fission?
Splitting of a nucleus into smaller parts, releasing large amounts of energy (used in nuclear power plants).
What is Energy Efficiency?
Ratio of useful energy output to total energy input; higher efficiency means less waste.
What is an Electric Generator?
A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
What is a Turbine?
A machine that spins when fluid (like steam, water, or air) moves through it, often used to drive generators.
What is a Photovoltaic (PV) Cell?
A device that converts sunlight directly into electricity.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Heat energy from within the Earth used for heating or electricity generation.
What is Hydroelectric Power?
Electricity produced by flowing water turning a turbine.
What is Biomass Energy?
Renewable energy from organic materials like wood, crop waste, and animal manure.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by activities or products, usually measured in CO₂ equivalents.
What is Cogeneration?
The simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat from the same energy source to increase efficiency.
What is Peak Demand?
The highest level of energy consumption in a given period; utilities must plan for this capacity.
What is a Smart Grid?
An upgraded electrical grid that uses digital tech to monitor, automate, and improve energy delivery and efficiency.
What is a Fuel Cell?
A device that converts chemical energy from a fuel (like hydrogen) into electricity through a chemical reaction.
What is Energy Conservation?
Reducing overall energy use through behavior changes or improved efficiency.
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
The warming of Earth’s atmosphere due to greenhouse gases trapping heat from the sun.
What is Tidal Energy?
Renewable energy harnessed from the movement of ocean tides.
