Forms of Energy

Flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions related to forms of energy.

Energy

The ability to cause change or do work.

Work

The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied over a distance.

Potential Energy

Stored energy due to the interactions between objects or particles.

Kinetic Energy

Energy due to motion; all moving objects have kinetic energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy due to an object's position, depending on its mass and height.

Elastic Potential Energy

Energy stored in an object that is compressed or stretched.

Chemical Potential Energy

Energy stored in the chemical bonds between atoms.

Mechanical Energy

The total energy of an object or group of objects due to large-scale motions and interactions.

Sound Energy

The energy carried by sound waves.

Thermal Energy

Energy due to the motion of particles that make up an object.

Electric Energy

The energy that an electric current carries.

Radiant/Light Energy

Energy carried by electromagnetic waves. Examples: Cell phone, Microwaves, Lightbulbs

Nuclear Energy

Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.

Energy Transformation

The process of changing energy from one form to another, such as converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.

Law of Conservation of Energy

The principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Friction

The resistance encountered when two surfaces slide against each other, converting kinetic energy into thermal energy.