Energy

What is the formula for the relationship between work, force and distance moved in the direction of the force?

work done = force x distance moved

W = f x d

What is the formula for the relationship between gravitational potential, energy, mass and gravitational field strength and height?

gravitational potential energy = mass x gravitational field strength x height

GPE = m x g x h

What is the formula for the relationship between kinetic energy, mass and speed?

kinetic energy = ½ x mass x speed²

KE = ½ x m x v²

What is the formula to calculate efficiency?

efficiency = useful energy output/total energy input x 100

What is the relationship between power, work done (energy transferred) and time taken?

power = work done/time taken

p = f x d /t

What is the relationship between energy transferred and work done?

Energy transferred = work done

Energy

Energy allows work, radiation and heating to be done.

Kinetic energy

Possessed by an object which is moving.

Thermal energy

Contained within an object that is above absolute zero (the energy makes the particles inside the object vibrate).

Chemical energy

Stored in food, fuel or other chemical forms (e.g. battery or cell).

Elastic/strain energy

Stored in an object which is stretched, squashed or bent.

Nuclear energy

Stored within the nucleus of each atom. Only released during the processes of nuclear fission (in nuclear power stations), nuclear fusion (stars), and radioactivity (in unstable elements).

Magnetic energy

Stored by virtue of work has been done against a magnetic field and the potential of the objects within the magnetic field.

Electrostatic energy

Stored by a virtue of work has been done against an electric field and of the potential of the objects within the electric field.

Mechanical energy transfer

When a force moves something through a distance.

Heat energy transfer

When a temperature difference causes a transfer of energy from one place to another by conduction or convection.

Electrical energy transfer

When an electric charge moves through a potential difference: this is the main method of energy transfer in electric circuits.

Radiation energy transfer

Carried by waves in the electromagnetic spectrum (this includes Radio, microwaves, infra-red, visible light, ultra-violet, x-rays and gamma), or by mechanical waves such as sound.

Renewable sources of energy

Can be replensished quickly. They will last for the lifetime of Earth.

Non-renewable sources of energy

Takes millions of years to be replenished (if at all). We say they are finite because they will run out some point in the future.