Lesson 4: Forms of Energy

TERMS AND FORMULAS ONLY!!!

Energy

The ability to cause a change.

Gravitational Potential Energy

A type of potential energy stored in an object due to its height above Earth’s surface.

Formula of Gravitational Potential Energy

GPE=mgh

Gravitational Potential Energy

Depends on the mass of an object and its distance from Earth’s surface.

Chemical Energy

The energy stored in and release from the bonds between atoms.

Nuclear Energy

The energy stored in and released from the nucleus of an atom.

Nuclear Fusion

The nuclei of atoms join together and release large amounts of energy.

Nuclear Fission

Breaking apart of an atom.

Kinetic Energy

Energy due to motion.

Formula of Kinetic Energy

KE=1/2mv²

Electric Energy

The energy in an electric current.

System

Is a collection of parts that interact and act together as a whole.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of PE and KE in a system.

Thermal Energy

Sum of KE and PE of the particles that make up the object.

Wave

A disturbance that transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Sound Energy

Energy carried by sound waves.

Radiant Energy

Energy carried by electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic waves

Travel through matter and through spaces with little or no matter, such as outer space.

Visible Light

Only one form of radiant energy.

Wavelength

Is the distance from one point on a wave to the nearest point on a wave to the nearest point just like it.