unit 2

Potential Energy

The energy stored in an object due to its position or condition.

Gravitational Potential Energy

The potential energy an object has due to its height relative to the Earth’s surface.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of potential energy and kinetic energy of an object or system.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of an object in motion.

Energy Transfer

The passing of energy from one object to another.

Energy Transformation

The process of one form of energy changing to another form.

Thermal Energy

The total amount of kinetic energy of all the particles in an object or substance.

Heat

The energy transferred between two objects at different temperatures.

Conduction

The transfer of thermal energy between particles through direct contact.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy throughout liquids and gases.

Radiation

The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred.

Chemical Energy

The form of energy involved in chemical reactions.

Electrical Energy

The flow of negatively charged particles that creates electric current.

Alternative Energy Sources

Energy sources that transform kinetic mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as wind and hydroelectric power.

Thermal Energy Transfer

The transfer of thermal energy that results in a change in the temperature of an object.

Mechanical Energy Formula

Mechanical energy is calculated using the formula ME = PE + KE, where PE is potential energy and KE is kinetic energy.

Forms of Energy

Energy exists in various forms, including mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiant energy.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input, often expressed as a percentage.

Kinetic Energy Formula

Kinetic energy is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Potential Energy in Gravity

Gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Thermal Equilibrium

Thermal equilibrium occurs when two objects at different temperatures reach the same temperature after thermal energy transfer.

Insulation

Insulation is a material that reduces the rate of heat transfer, helping to maintain temperature.

Energy Audit

An energy audit is an assessment of energy use in a building or system aimed at identifying areas for improvement.

Entropy

Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system, often associated with the second law of thermodynamics.

Friction

Friction is the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another, often converting kinetic energy into thermal energy.

Renewable Energy

Energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

Non-Renewable Energy

Energy sources that are finite and will eventually run out, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Energy Conservation

The practice of using less energy to provide the same level of energy service.

Power

The rate at which energy is transferred or converted, commonly measured in watts.

Energy Source

The origin from which energy is obtained, such as fossil fuels, solar, or wind.

Fuel Cells

Devices that convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy through a chemical reaction.

Photovoltaics

Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells.

Nuclear Energy

Energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, often used in power plants to generate electricity.

Smart Grid

An electricity supply network that uses digital communications technology to detect and react to local changes in usage.

Energy Storage

The capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time, commonly through batteries.

Biomass Energy

Energy produced from organic materials, such as plant and animal waste.

Geothermal Energy

Energy derived from the heat stored in the Earth.

Hydrogen Fuel

A clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water as a by-product.

Tidal Energy

Energy generated from the movement of tides caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Energy Return on Investment (EROI)

A ratio that measures the amount of energy obtained from an energy resource compared to the amount of energy invested to obtain it.

Smart Meter

A device that records the consumption of electric energy in real time and communicates the information back to the utility for monitoring.

Wave Energy

Energy generated from the movement of sea waves, which can be harnessed for electricity generation.

Energy Policies

Rules and regulations established by governments to manage energy production and consumption.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

Sustainable Energy

Energy sourced in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.