click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Energy Unit 24-25
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| energy | The ability to do work |
| work | To move or change matter |
| potential energy | stored energy that results from the height of an object, shape of an object, or stored inside of atoms |
| kinetic energy | energy of motion |
| chemical energy | a form of potential energy that is stored in chemical bonds between atoms |
| nuclear energy | the potential energy stored in the nucleus of an atom |
| gravitational energy | potential energy that depends on the height of an object |
| elastic energy | a form of potential energy stored in an object when the shape of the object is changed |
| mechanical energy | a form of kinetic energy associated with the motion and position of everyday objects |
| electrical energy | a form of kinetic energy caused by the movement of electrons |
| thermal energy (heat energy) | kinetic energy associated with the movement/speed of atoms or molecules |
| radiant energy | a form of kinetic energy carried by an electromagnetic wave from the Sun. Light is the most common example. |
| sound energy | a form of kinetic energy caused by an object's vibrations of atoms. Atoms are hitting into other atoms to pass the message along. |
| law of conservation of energy | Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It is just transferred from one form to another. |
| energy source | a place where energy comes from, such as batteries, food, fuels, and the sun. |
| secondary energy source | An energy source we get from converting primary energy sources (coal, oil, nuclear, solar, etc.); the energy sources we use to make electricity can be renewable or nonrenewable, but electricity itself is neither. |
| renewable energy sources | Energy such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric energy. They can be replaced in a reasonable amount of time. |
| nonrenewable energy sources | Energy that comes from resources that cannot be replaced when used. |
| fossil fuels | Petroleum (oil), coal, natural gas, and propane are fuels from ancient remains of plants and animals. These are primary energy sources that we can burn to get our energy. |
| geothermal energy | The energy produced by heat within the earth. The energy is harnessed at geothermal power plants. |
| hydroelectric energy | Electrical energy generated by moving water. |
| wind energy | Energy obtained by harnessing the energy from wind using wind turbines. |
| solar energy | The energy obtained from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. Does NOT use turbines and generators. |
| biomass energy | Energy produced by burning organic matter, such as wood and scraps of crops. |
| turbine | A device with blades that can be turned by water, wind, steam, or exhaust gas from combustion that turns a generator in an electricity-producing plant. |
| generator | A machine that converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy. |