click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Energy Vocabulary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
WORK | The transfer of energy from one object to another (moves) |
ENERGY | The ability to do work OR cause a change. |
FORCE | A push or pull. |
KINETIC ENERGY | Energy associated with items that are doing something – moving, reacting, etc. |
POTENTIAL ENERGY | Energy that is stored and held in readiness- not being used yet |
ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY | Energy that is associated with objects that can be stretched or compressed. |
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY | Energy that depends on height. (when things are lifted up and can fall) |
MECHANICAL ENERGY | Any energy associated with motion or position of an object. |
THERMAL ENERGY | Total amount of energy (speed) is in the tiny particles of an object. |
CHEMICAL ENERGY | Energy that is stored in bonds that hold compounds together. |
ELECTRICAL ENERGY | Moving charges carrying energy from one substance to another. |
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY | Energy that travels in waves. Also called radiant energy. |
NUCLEAR ENERGY | Energy released when the nuclei of atoms are split or combined |
NUCLEAR FISSION | The splitting of atoms - used in nuclear power plants |
NUCLEAR FUSION | The joining of atoms - happens in stars |
ENERGY CONVERSION | A change from one form of energy to another. |
(LAW OF) CONSERVATION OF ENERGY | Energy cannot be created or destroyed |
PHOTOSYNTHESIS | Process where plants use Carbon Dioxide, water and energy from the Sun to make food |
FUEL | A material that gives off or provides energy (when it burns.) |
FOSSIL FUEL | High energy substances formed from the remains of organisms. |
COMBUSTION | The process of burning fuel (to release the chemical energy) |