Energy and Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering physics, energy types, nuclear processes, radiation, and quantum terminology based on lecture notes.

What is chemical potential energy?

The energy stored in the chemical bonds of a compound, which can be released by processes such as combustion or digestion.

How is electromagnetic radiation defined?

Waves of pure energy at any wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, from long wavelength radio waves to short wavelength X-rays and gamma rays; it includes microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation.

What is defined as holding everything together?

Energy.

What is nuclear fission?

A nuclear chain reaction in which a neutron shatters the nucleus of a heavy element, producing nuclear fragments and additional free neutrons that shatter nuclei.

What is nuclear fusion?

The fusion of atoms to create a new element.

What is gravitational potential energy?

Stored energy due to an object's location in a gravitational field.

How is heat defined?

Energy in transit from a warm body to a cooler one by means of infrared radiation, thermal conduction, or convection.

What is hydroelectric power?

The generation of electricity by damming water and allowing the water behind the dam to fall through a turbine generator system.

What is kinetic energy?

Energy in motion.

How is mass defined?

The amount of matter that an object has.

What forms of energy are included under nuclear energy?

Fusion and fission.

What is a photon?

A single quantum of electromagnetic energy, also referred to as a wave packet.

What is a photovoltaic cell?

A semiconductor device that converts light into electrical signals.

What is potential energy?

Energy stored that can be released by conversion to another form of energy.

What is a quantum?

A single packet of energy.

What does the term quantized mean?

Divided into discrete lumps or packets; non-continuous.

What is a solar cell?

A semiconductor device that converts the energy of sunlight into electricity.

What is thermal energy?

The energy an object has after being heated.

What is a turbine?

A system of blades on a shaft that rotates to produce power using things such as water, steam, or wind.

What is the visible spectrum?

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we can see.

How is wavelength defined?

The space between each peak of a wave.