Energy stores and systems

System

An object or group of objects that have energy.

Energy

The ability to do work, measured in joules (J).

Work

The process that occurs when energy is transferred from one store to another.

Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be stored, transferred, or dissipated.

Energy Stores

Different forms in which energy can be stored, including chemical, kinetic, thermal, gravitational potential, nuclear, elastic potential, magnetic, and electrostatic.

Energy Transfer Pathways

The methods through which energy changes store, including heating, mechanical work, electrical work, and radiation.

Heating

Energy transfer due to temperature differences, caused electrically or by chemical reactions.

Mechanical Work

The transfer of energy through a force moving an object over a distance.

Electrical Work

The transfer of energy through the movement of charges due to a potential difference.

Radiation

Energy transferred as a wave, such as light.