energy
The ability to do work or cause change
work
force exerted (applied to) on an object that causes the object to move in the direction of the force
Joule (J)
SI unit of measurement for energy and work. This is a version of a calorie.
kinetic energy (KE)
the energy an object has due to its motion (also depends on the mass and speed of an object), often abbreviated KE
potential energy (PE)
stored energy that results from the position or shape of an object; often abbreviated PE
mechanical energy
the energy associated with the motion and position of everyday objects; A combination of the total amount of energy in a system (PE + KE). This type of energy involves motion of some type as PE transforms into KE and vice versa.
law of conservation of energy
the law that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be changed from one form to another
gravitational potential energy
stored energy related to an object's height above ground
elastic potential energy
the energy of stretched or compressed objects
electrical energy
Energy caused by the movement of electrons (subatomic, really tiny, particles of an atom).
chemical energy
a form of potential energy that is stored in chemical bonds (what hold atoms together) between atoms and molecules. When these bonds are broken, energy is released.
radiant energy
(also called electromagnetic energy and visible light energy a type of kinetic energy that travels in waves
thermal energy
(also called heat energy) a form of energy that is created from the vibration of atoms and molecules within substances. The more energy they possess, the faster they move. Energy always moves from a warmer object to a cooler object.
nuclear energy
The potential (stored) energy stored in the nucleus of an atom
fusion
The enormous amount of nuclear energy released when the nuclei are combined
fission
A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
system
A group of parts that work together as a whole
PE
abbreviation for potential energy
KE
abbreviation for kinetic energy
battery, food, gasoline
examples of chemical energy
hammer, bowling ball, drawn bow and arrow
examples of mechanical energy
fission reaction at a nuclear power plant, fusion reaction in the sun
examples of nuclear energy
sun, propane grill, hot stove
examples of thermal energy
microwave oven, radio, light bulb
examples of radiant energy
trampoline, stretched rubber band, drawn bow and arrow
examples of elastic potential energy