Energy Forms, Transformations, and Conservation

Vocabulary flashcards covering core definitions, formulas, and concepts relating to energy, types of energy, transformations, and the law of conservation of energy.

Energy

The ability to do work, defined as exerting a force to cause the displacement of an object.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

The energy an object possesses due to motion, which depends on its mass and velocity according to the relationship $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$.

Potential Energy (PE)

Stored energy held by an object that could be used, which depends on an object's height and weight.

Mechanical Energy (ME)

The total energy of a system, equal to the combined sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy.

Velocity

The speed ($\text{m/s}$) and specific direction in which an object is moving.

Law of Conservation of Energy

The scientific law stating that energy (measured in joules, or $\text{J}$) cannot be created or destroyed, but only transferred or transformed from one form to another.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored within the bonds of atoms and molecules that is released when those chemical bonds are broken.

Sound Energy

Energy caused by vibrations traveling through a medium, which can occur in solids, liquids, or gases.

Electromagnetic Energy

A form of energy, also known as radiant or light energy, that travels through space as waves utilizing electric and magnetic fields.

Nuclear Energy

Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom, released when the nucleus is split apart or combined with another nucleus.

Thermal Energy

Energy associated with the internal motion of particles, transferred as heat through conduction, convection, and radiation.

Electrical Energy

Energy generated by the movement of electrons, used by devices that require electrical power to function.

Energy Transformation

The process, also called energy conversion or transfer, in which energy changes from one form into another.

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)

Stored potential energy that depends specifically on an object's height and weight relative to Earth.

Gravity

The attractive force that pulls objects downward toward the center of Earth by acting on an object's mass.

Nuclear Fission

A nuclear process in which a larger atom splits into two or more smaller ones, such as inside Earth's core.

Nuclear Fusion

A nuclear process in which two or more lighter atoms join together to form a larger atom, occurring in the Sun and stars.