Energy Types and Electrical Generation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to different types of energy and how electrical energy is generated.

Electrical energy

Energy of charged particles that can be transformed from various types of energy.

Mechanical energy

The sum of Kinetic and Potential energy; an example is a roller coaster or flowing water.

Kinetic energy

The energy of motion.

Potential energy

Stored energy due to the position or condition of an object.

Chemical energy

Stored energy in chemical bonds released during a reaction, such as in batteries or fossil fuels.

Solar energy

Energy carried by electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.

Nuclear energy

Energy generated by forming new atoms through fission or fusion.

Nuclear fusion

The process where new atoms are formed as smaller atoms collide and fuse.

Nuclear fission

The process of creating new atoms by splitting larger atoms.

Thermal energy

Energy due to the rapid motion of particles in an object, associated with nuclear reactions or geothermal energy.

Generator System

A system that transforms kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Turbine

A device that spins due to steam, water, or air causing it to transform kinetic energy to electric.

Photovoltaic cells

Devices that transform visible light into electrical energy by having electrons absorb light and flow freely.

Geothermal energy

Energy obtained from the heat of the Earth's interior, often harnessed by using hot steam to turn turbines.