Energy Forms and Transformations

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering vocabulary, types of potential and kinetic energy, the Law of Conservation of Energy, and energy transformations from Cornell Doodle Notes.

According to the notes, how is mass defined?

Mass is defined as how much matter there is in something.

According to the notes, how is position defined?

Position is defined as where an object is relative to a point of reference.

What is energy?

Energy is the ability to do work.

According to the notes, when does work happen?

Work happens when a force is used to move an object through a distance.

In what unit is energy measured, and what is its equivalent in base units?

Energy is measured in Joules ($\text{J}$), where $1\,\text{J} = 1\,\frac{\text{kg}\cdot\text{m}^2}{\text{s}^2}$.

What is mechanical energy?

Mechanical energy is the total energy an object has because of its motion (speed) and position.

What is potential energy, and what does it depend on?

Potential energy is stored energy that depends on an object's mass and position or shape.

What is kinetic energy, and what does it depend on?

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion that depends on an object's mass and speed.

What is gravitational potential energy, and what are two examples given in the notes?

Gravitational potential energy depends on mass and height; examples include an object at the top of a rollercoaster and hydropower.

What is elastic potential energy, and what are two examples given in the notes?

Elastic potential energy is energy stored due to being stretched or compressed; examples include springs and rubber bands.

What is chemical potential energy, and where is it found according to the notes?

Chemical potential energy is energy stored in bonds between atoms; examples include fuel and food.

What is nuclear potential energy, and how is it characterized?

Nuclear potential energy is energy stored in the nucleus of an atom, and it is the most concentrated form of energy.

What is thermal energy?

Thermal energy is the vibration and movement of molecules, also known as heat.

What is electrical energy, and what examples are provided in the notes?

Electrical energy is the movement of electrons; examples include lightning and current in appliances.

What is sound energy?

Sound energy is vibrational movement through substances in waves.

What is radiant energy, and what examples are given in the notes?

Radiant energy consists of electromagnetic waves; examples include visible light, X-rays, and radiowaves.

What does the Law of Conservation of Energy state?

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can change forms but it is never lost; energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but rather can only be transformed or transferred from one form to another.

How do potential energy and kinetic energy interchange on a roller coaster track?

A roller coaster car has high potential energy at the top of the first hill, which converts to kinetic energy during its drop, and then that kinetic energy converts back into potential energy as it ascends the second hill.

What is energy transformation, and what observable changes can indicate it has occurred?

Energy transformation is the process of energy changing from one form to another; it often produces a change in an object's motion, position, temperature, or appearance.

What sequence of energy transformations takes place when riding a bicycle?

Chemical potential energy stored in food is transferred to mechanical energy (by applying force to pedals) and thermal energy (as the body warms); the moving bike has kinetic energy, and friction between tires and the ground transforms that motion into thermal energy and sound energy.