Energy Fundamentals

What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or transformed into another form.

What does the Law of Conservation of Energy mean?

Energy cannot appear from nowhere or disappear; it only changes form.

What is the memory rule for the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Cannot create, cannot destroy, only convert.

Give an example of an energy transformation in a battery.

Chemical energy → Electrical energy.

Give an example of electrical energy transformation.

Electrical energy → Light energy + Heat energy.

Give an example of chemical energy transformation.

Chemical energy → Kinetic energy.

What is an energy system?

A system scientists use to study energy transfers and transformations.

What is an open system?

A system where energy can enter or leave.

What is a closed system?

A system where matter cannot enter or leave, but energy can.

What is an isolated system?

A system where neither energy nor matter enters or leaves.

Why does energy remain constant in an isolated system?

Because energy cannot be created or destroyed.

What are the two main categories of energy?

Potential energy and kinetic energy.

What is potential energy?

Stored energy that has the potential to cause change later.

What is kinetic energy?

The energy of movement.

What is the difference between potential and kinetic energy?

Potential energy is stored energy, while kinetic energy is moving energy.

What types of movement create kinetic energy at the microscopic level?

Waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances and objects.