Energy Stores
A system is an object or group of objects where changes in the system alter the way energy is stored.
Kinetic Energy
Energy of an object due to its motion, calculated using the formula Ek = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is speed.
Elastic Potential Energy
Energy stored in a spring when it is stretched, calculated using Ee = 1/2 ke², where k is the spring constant and e is extension.
Gravitational Potential Energy
Energy possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated using Ep = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational field strength, and h is height.
Specific Heat Capacity
The energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C or 1K.
Power
The rate at which energy is transferred or work is done, calculated as P = E/t or P = W/t.
Energy Transfer
The process of energy moving from one system to another, which can be useful, stored, or dissipated.
Thermal Conductivity
A measure of how well a material conducts heat, influencing the rate of energy transfer by conduction.
Efficiency
Ratio of useful energy output to total energy input, often expressed as a percentage.
Renewable Energy
Energy that can be replenished as it is used, such as wind, solar, and hydro-electric energy.
Non-renewable Energy
Energy sources that cannot be replenished as quickly as they are used, such as fossil fuels and nuclear fuel.
Environmental Impact of Energy Extraction
The consequences of extracting energy sources, such as landscape destruction from fossil fuels or aesthetic concerns from wind turbines.
Main Energy Uses
Areas where energy is applied, including transport, electricity generation, and heating.
Patterns of Energy Use
Trends in energy consumption that have evolved, notably the shift from fossil fuels during the Industrial Revolution to more renewable sources.