Unit 1 Study Guide - Energy

Flashcards covering vocabulary, formulas, systems, and concepts from the Unit 1 Study Guide on Energy.

Kinetic Energy

Energy stored within the motion of an object.

Gravitational Potential Energy (Gravitational PE)

Energy stored within a gravitational field.

Chemical Potential Energy (Chemical PE)

Energy stored within an object due to the arrangement of its molecules.

Elastic Potential Energy (Elastic PE)

Energy stored within an object due to its deformation.

Thermal Energy

Energy that leaves the system and goes to the surroundings.

Work

Transfer of energy due to an external force.

Conduction

The transfer of thermal energy from particle to particle within a substance by direct physical contact between objects.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy by moving matter through fluids from one place to another, where denser matter sinks and hot matter rises.

Heat

Transfer of energy due to a difference in temperature between the system and surroundings (often related to thermal energy).

Radiation

Transfer of energy due to electromagnetic waves or light.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred from one form to another.

Transformation of Energy

The process of changing energy from one form to another.

Zero Reference Line

A baseline or datum point set at zero value used to measure, calibrate, or plot data across various technical fields.

Closed System

A system where the energy of the system stays the same, meaning no energy enters or leaves.

Open System

A system where energy can be transferred into or out of the system, coming from or going to the surroundings.

Gravitational Potential Energy Equation

Calculated as $E_g = m \times 9.8\,m/s^2 \times h$, where $m$ is mass in $kg$, $9.8\,m/s^2$ is acceleration due to gravity ($g$), and $h$ is height in $m$.

Kinetic Energy Equation

Calculated as $E_k = 0.5 \times m \times v^2$, where $m$ is mass in $kg$ and $v$ is velocity in $m/s$.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat from the sun.

Greenhouse Effect

The natural process where gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to sustain life.

Renewable Energy Sources

Energy sources that come from natural processes that constantly renew themselves and never run out, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy.

Nonrenewable Energy Sources

Energy sources that exist in specific amounts, take millions of years to form, and run out, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.