Energy Production and Use (FOUN1201)

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the concepts covered in the lecture notes on energy production and use.

Energy

The ability to do work.

Work

A measure of energy transferred when an object is moved through a distance by an external force.

Joule

The standard unit of work and energy in the International System of Units (SI), equivalent to the work done when a force of one newton displaces an object one meter.

Power

The rate at which work is done, measured in watts (W).

Kinetic Energy

Energy possessed by a moving object.

Potential Energy

Energy possessed by an object due to its position or condition.

Law of Conservation of Energy

States that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.

Efficiency

The ratio of useful energy output to total energy input.

Fossil Fuels

Combustible products formed from the decay of organic matter, including crude oil, coal, and natural gas.

Renewable Energy

Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, tidal, and biomass.

Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)

A unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power used for one hour.

Electricity Self Generation

Systems using solar energy that allow customers to generate their own electricity, can be off-grid or grid-tied.

Net Metering

An arrangement that allows solar energy producers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid.

Combustion

A chemical reaction that occurs when fossil fuels react with oxygen, producing carbon dioxide, steam, and thermal energy.

Biomass

Energy obtained from organic matter.