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Chapter 15 vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Energy | The ability to do work |
kinetic energy | The energy an object has due to its motion. |
potential energy | Energy that is stored as a result of position or shape. |
gravitational potential energy | Potential energy that depends upon an object's height above a reference point. |
elastic potential energy | The potential energy of an object that is stretched or compressed. |
mechanical energy | The energy associated with the motion and position of everyday objects. |
thermal energy | the total potential and kinetic energy of all the particles in an object. |
chemical energy | the energy stored in chemical bonds |
electrical energy | the energy associated with electric charges. |
electromagnetic energy | a form of energy consisting of changing electric and magnetic fields. |
nuclear energy | the energy stored in atomic nuclei |
energy conversion | the process of changing energy from one form to another. |
nonrenewable energy resources | a source of energy that exists in limited quantities and, once used, cannot be replaced except over the course of millions of years. |
fossil fuels | Rich deposits of hydrocarbon mixtures that formed from the remains of organisms. |
renewable energy resources | A source of energy that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time. |
hydroelectric energy | energy obtained from flowing water. |
solar energy | sunlight that is converted into usable energy. |
geothermal energy | thermal energy beneath Earth's surfance |
biomass energy | the chemical energy stored in living things |
hydrogen fuel cell | a cell that generates electricity from a controlled reaction between hydrogen and oxygen |
energy conservation | the practice of finding ways to use less energy or to use energy more efficiently. |