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Randalynn Sharp
Chapter 15 Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| energy | the ability to do work |
| kinetic energy | the energy of 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. |
| 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 microscopic particles in an object. |
| chemical energy | the energy stored in chemical bonds. |
| electrical energy | the energy associated with electric charge. |
| Electromagnetic energy | a form of energy that travels through space in the for of waves. |
| Nuclear energy | the energy stored in atomic nuclei |
| energy conversion | the process of changing energy from one form to another. |
| nonrenewable energy resources | exist in limited quantities and, once used, cannot be replaced except over the course of millions of years. |
| fossil fuel | oil, natural gas, and coal. |
| renewable energy resources | resources 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 surface. |
| biomass energy | the chemical energy stored in living things. |
| hydrogen fuel cell | generates electricity by reacting hudrogen with oxygen. |
| energy conservation | finding ways to use less energy or to use energy more efficiently. |