Conservation of Momentum and Energy

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the conservation of momentum and energy, including definitions, equations, and applications.

Conservation of Momentum

The principle that in an isolated system, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Total momentum formula

Total momentum is calculated using the formula: Total momentum = mass x velocity.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of moving objects.

Thermal Energy

Energy that increases with temperature and is related to internal energy.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored in bonds, such as in food and fuels.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy of an object due to its height.

Elastic Potential Energy

Energy stored in stretched or compressed objects.

Electrostatic Energy

Energy that exists between charged objects.

Magnetic Energy

Energy that exists between magnets.

Nuclear Energy

Energy stored in atomic nuclei.

Energy Transfer: Mechanically

Transfer of energy through forces acting on objects, such as pushing.

Energy Transfer: Electrically

Movement of electric charges, commonly seen in electrical circuits.

Energy Transfer: By Heating

Energy transferred from hot objects to cold objects.

Energy Transfer: By Radiation

Transfer of energy via waves, such as solar energy.

Work Done

Work done is equal to energy transferred and is measured in Joules (J).

Energy Conservation Principle

Energy can be transferred and stored but cannot be created or destroyed; in closed systems, the net change in energy is zero.

Dissipation of Energy

Some energy is wasted as thermal energy during transfers, and efficient systems minimize this waste.

Kinetic Energy Equation

KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Gravitational Potential Energy Equation

GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational field strength, and h is height.

Specific Heat Capacity

The amount of energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C.

Efficiency

Efficiency measures how much of the energy input is converted into useful output, expressed as a decimal or percentage.

Non-Renewable Sources

Energy sources like fossil fuels and nuclear fuels that are finite resources.

Renewable Sources

Sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro-electric, biomass, and geothermal energy.

Applications of Energy Transfer

Mechanisms of energy transfer are crucial in daily applications like cooking, heating homes, and powering vehicles.