potential, kinetic, free, and activation energy

Kinetic Energy

Energy possessed by an object due to its motion.

Potential Energy

Energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, able to do work when released.

Gibbs Free Energy (G)

The energy available to do work in a chemical reaction, after accounting for entropy.

Exergonic Reactions

Chemical reactions that release energy and have a negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG < 0).

Endergonic Reactions

Chemical reactions that require energy input and have a positive Gibbs free energy (ΔG > 0).

Activation Energy (EA)

The minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Delta G (ΔG)

The change in free energy during a chemical reaction.

Chemical Energy

Potential energy stored in chemical bonds that can be released during a reaction.

Entropy

A measure of disorder or randomness in a system, often increases during energy transfers.

Transition State

A high-energy, unstable state in a chemical reaction that occurs during the bond-breaking and bond-forming process.