Energy Study Guide 2021

study of the physical world

A set of interacting parts forming a complex whole

the ability to make things move or change

the energy that an object has because it is moving

the energy that is stored in an object or system

change from one type to another

Energy can be transformed from one form to another, but can neither be created or destroyed

stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules - it is the energy that holds these particles together. Stored chemical energy is found in food, biomass, petroleum, and natural gas.

created from the vibration of atoms and molecules within substance. The faster they move, the more energy they possess and the hotter they become.

stored in the nucleus of atoms. This energy is released when the nuclei are combined (fusion) or split apart (fission). Nuclear power plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms to produce electricity.

the movement of electrons. Electrons that move through a wire are called electricity. Lightning is another example of electrical energy.

is a type of kinetic energy that travels in waves. Examples include the energy from the sun, x-rays, and radio waves. Also known as light energy or electromagnetic energy

energy stored in objects; as objects move faster, more energy is stored. It is the sum of kinetic and potential energy.

movement of energy through substances. It moves in waves and is produced when a force makes an object or substance vibrate. There is usually much less energy in sound than in other forms of energy.

form of potential energy that is stored in an elastic object - such as a coiled spring or a stretched elastic band. Elastic objects store elastic energy when a force causes them to be stretched or squashed.