Energy Study Notes Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering energy forms, kinetic and potential energy, transformations, conservation laws, transfer methods, work, and power based on the provided study notes.

What is the definition of energy?

The ability to cause change or make something happen.

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and an object's motion and mass?

Faster-moving objects generally have more kinetic energy, and more massive moving objects generally have more kinetic energy.

In the context of the forms of energy, what does potential energy represent?

Stored energy due to position or condition, such as a stretched rubber band.

Which form of energy is defined as the energy of motion?

Kinetic energy.

What factors determine an object's gravitational potential energy?

Mass, height, and the strength of gravity.

How is thermal energy related to the movement of particles?

It is the energy related to the motion of particles and is often experienced as heat.

What are two examples of objects that store chemical energy in their bonds?

Food and batteries.

Which form of energy is carried by electromagnetic waves?

Light (radiant) energy.

What is nuclear energy?

Energy stored in an atom's nucleus that is released during nuclear reactions.

Explain the energy transition that occurs as a roller coaster moves downward from the top of a hill.

Some of the gravitational potential energy changes into kinetic energy.

Describe the energy transformation chain in a flashlight.

Battery $\rightarrow$ electrical energy $\rightarrow$ light + thermal energy.

What energy transformation takes place when a person moves after eating?

Chemical energy from food $\rightarrow$ kinetic + thermal energy.

What is the energy transformation involved in photosynthesis?

Sunlight $\rightarrow$ chemical energy in plants.

What does the law of conservation of energy state?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system; it can only be transferred or transformed.

To what forms is energy usually changed if a machine seems to 'lose' energy?

Thermal energy or sound.

What is the difference between conduction and convection?

Conduction transfers thermal energy through direct contact, while convection transfers it through the movement of fluids like liquids or gases.

How does radiation transfer energy?

Through electromagnetic waves without requiring direct contact.

What is the definition of work in physics?

Work is done when a force causes an object to move in the direction of the force.

What is the formula for work ($W$) when the force ($F$) and motion/distance ($d$) are in the same direction?

$$W = Fd$$

What does power describe in physics?

How quickly energy is transferred or work is done.

What is the SI unit for power?

The watt ($W$).

What is the formula for calculating power?

$$Power = Energy \text{ transferred} \text{ / } Time$$