Science 1.04- Guided Note- Law of Conservation of Energy.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another; total energy in a closed system remains constant.

Energy Transformations

The process of energy changing from one form to another, such as potential to kinetic and radiant to chemical.

Potential Energy

Energy stored due to an object's position or condition.

Kinetic Energy

Energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Radiant Energy

Energy that travels in electromagnetic waves; e.g., sunlight or microwaves.

Chemical Energy

Potential energy stored in the chemical bonds of atoms and molecules; e.g., energy in food or gasoline.

Mechanical Energy

The total energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy).

Sound Energy

Energy carried by vibrating particles traveling through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) as a sound wave.

Test (Independent) Variable

The factor in an experiment that is intentionally changed or manipulated.

Outcome (Dependent) Variable

The factor that is measured or observed to determine how it responds to changes in the independent variable.

Example of Energy Transformation

A solar panel converting radiant energy into electrical energy.

Example of Mechanical Energy

Pedaling a bicycle or throwing a basketball.

Example of Connection Between Electrical and Thermal Energy

An electric toaster converts electrical energy into thermal energy (heat).

Energy Equation

Total energy in a system can be represented as $E_{\text{total}} = PE + KE + \text{Thermal energy}$.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants absorb radiant energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy.