Energy of the Earth

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the energy dynamics of Earth, including definitions and explanations.

What is Energy?

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can change type and/or form.

Potential Energy

Energy of position or stored in readiness.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of action and/or in motion.

Mechanical Energy

Energy required to move mass.

Thermal Energy

Energy derived from particle movement.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored within chemical bonds.

Nuclear Energy

Energy stored within the nucleus of an atom.

Electromagnetic Energy

Energy that moves in waves.

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation that enters the Earth's atmosphere.

Albedo

A measure of how reflective a surface is.

Greenhouse Gases

Chemicals in Earth's atmosphere that allow full spectrum radiation to enter but block longer heat waves from escaping.

Gradient

A difference in energy concentration, where energy moves from high concentration to low concentration.

What is nuclear fusion?

A process where two hydrogen atoms are squeezed together to form one atom of helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.

What is the difference between fusion and fission?

Fusion combines smaller elements into a larger one, while fission breaks down a larger element into smaller ones.

Charles' Law

As temperature increases, volume increases; as temperature decreases, volume decreases.

Force

Any push or pull.

Gravity

A pulling force between all objects in the universe that causes matter to move downward.

What are the three methods of heat transfer?

Radiation, conduction, convection.