Energy Stores and Systems Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key concepts of energy stores and energy transfers.

Energy Stores

Locations or systems where energy can be said to be stored.

Chemical Energy Store

Associated with the arrangements of atoms and molecules; examples include batteries, fuels, and foods.

Gravitational Potential Energy Store

Associated with an object in a gravitational field (e.g. being raised off ground)

Kinetic Energy Store

Associated with a moving object.

Thermal (or Internal) Energy Store

Associated with changes in temperature and/or changes of state of objects.

Elastic Potential Energy Store

Associated with objects that are compressed (squashed) or extended (stretched).

Nuclear Energy Store

Associated with changes in the nuclei of atoms.

Electrostatic Energy Store

Associated with changes in the positions of charged materials.

Mechanical Energy Transfer

When a force acts and something moves, energy is transferred.

Electrical Energy Transfer

When there is an electrical current, energy is transferred.

Heating by Particles

Energy transfer due to temperature difference; examples include conduction and convection.

Energy Transfer by Radiation

Energy transfer involving the emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation.

Mechanical Working

When a force acts over a distance.

Electrical Working

A current acting over a period of time.

Hooke's Law

The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied to it, provided the limit of proportionality is not exceeded.

Extension = length of the material when a force is applied - its original