Energy Basics
Energy is the ability to do what?
To cause change or to do work.
Heat always transfers from __________ objects to __________ objects.
Warmer to Cooler
Stored energy based on an object’s position or condition is called what?
Potential Energy
Nuclear energy is stored where?
In the nucleus of atoms
Identify the energy change in a car.
Chemical → mechanical
Energy is measured in what unit?
Joules
Name the three methods of heat transfer.
Conduction, convection, radiation
Energy due to motion is called what?
Kinetic Energy
What is the process where nuclei split apart, releasing energy?
Fission
Identify the energy change in a toaster.
Electrical → thermal
What are the two main types of energy?
Potential and Kinetic
Why does a metal spoon melt ice faster than a plastic spoon?
Metal conducts heat better
A roller coaster at the top of a hill has mostly __________ energy, and when it moves down, it changes to __________ energy.
Potential ----> Kinetic
What is the process where nuclei combine, releasing energy, like in the sun?
Fusion
Identify the energy change when riding a bicycle.
Chemical (from body) → mechanical.
The Law of Conservation of Energy states energy cannot be __________ or __________, only __________.
Created, destroyed, transformed
Describe how convection currents work in boiling water.
Hot water rises, cooler water sinks, creating a cycle
Why does a heavier truck moving at the same speed as a lighter car have more kinetic energy?
It has more mass
Name ALL forms of energy other than potential and kinetic.
Mechanical, Chemical, Sound, Nuclear
Thermal, Radiant, Elastic,
Gravitational, Electrical
Identify the energy change in a bow and arrow.
______ -----> ______ -----> ______
Chemical (muscles) → Elastic potential (bow) → Kinetic (arrow).
What two factors determine the amount of kinetic energy an object has?
Mass and Speed
Explain the difference between conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction = direct contact
Convection = rotations/currents
Radiation = direct heat waves
How does an object’s position affect its potential energy?
Higher position = more gravitational potential energy
Explain what happens to energy during a collision between two objects.
Energy transfers between objects but is not lost.
Give an example of a household appliance that uses conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction = stovetop pan
Convection = oven
Radiation = microwave