Energy Stores, Systems, and Resources

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering the Law of Conservation of Energy, energy stores and systems, energy transfers, and renewable vs. non-renewable resources.

What does the Law of Conservation of Energy state?

Energy is neither created nor destroyed; it merely changes from one form to another.

What unit is energy measured in?

Joules.

What is the definition of an energy system?

An object, or a group of objects, that transfer energy or have energy.

What are the eight energy stores listed in the key knowledge?

Kinetic, gravitational potential, thermal/internal, elastic, magnetic, nuclear, electrostatic, and chemical.

Which three methods are listed as ways energy can be transferred rather than energy stores?

Light, sound, and electric current.

What happens to energy whenever it is transferred?

Some energy is always wasted, usually as heat.

What is kinetic energy defined as in the notes?

Kinetic energy is movement energy.

Which three terms are described as being the same thing?

Thermal energy, internal energy, and heat.

What is meant by a renewable energy resource?

A resource that can be replenished or replaced.

What examples of non-renewable energy resources are named in the notes?

Coal, gas, oil, and nuclear.

What examples of renewable energy resources are named in the notes?

Solar (light/sun), geothermal, tidal, wave, wind, and hydrogen.

What gas is produced by burning coal, and what problem does it cause?

Carbon dioxide (and water vapour); it causes global warming, climate change, and the greenhouse effect.

What is one disadvantage of wind power?

It is unreliable because it won't always be windy.

Which colour is best at absorbing and giving out heat radiation?

Black.

What materials are good conductors of heat energy, and which specific metal is best for heat?

Metals are good conductors, with copper being the best for heat (and gold best for electricity).

What real-world examples are given for chemical potential energy store?

A battery, muscles in the human body, and the food we eat.

What real-world examples are given for magnetic and electrostatic energy stores?

Fridge magnet for magnetic energy store; balloon stuck to the wall for electrostatic energy store.

What real-world examples are given for gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy stores?

Parachutist for gravitational potential energy; elastic band for elastic potential energy.