Energy of the Earth

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to energy on Earth.

Energy

The ability to do work or cause change.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in type or form.

Potential Energy

The energy of position or stored energy.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of action or motion.

Mechanical Energy

The energy required to move mass.

Thermal Energy

The energy derived from the movement of particles.

Chemical Energy

The energy stored within chemical bonds.

Nuclear Energy

The energy stored within the nucleus of an atom.

Electrical Energy

The energy derived from the movement of charged particles.

Electromagnetic Energy

The energy that moves in waves.

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation that enters the Earth's atmosphere.

Albedo

A measurement of how reflective a surface is.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat.

Gradient

The difference in energy concentration, like from high to low potential.

Conduction

Heat transfer through solids.

Convection

Heat transfer through fluids.

Radiation

Heat transfer that requires no medium.

Gravity

A pulling force between all objects in the universe.

Fission

The process of breaking down a larger element into smaller elements.

Fusion

The process by which two hydrogen atoms combine to form helium.