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The total Kinetic and Potential energy of all the particles in an object.
Thermal energy
The energy that is transferred to or from a warmer object to a cooler object.
Heat
A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.
Temperature
The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves.
Radiation
A type of heat transfer that occurs through the movement of fluids, which can be solid, liquid, or gas.
Convection
A circular motion that occurs when warmer, less dense fluid rises, while cooler, denser fluid sinks.
Convection Current
The transfer of energy from one particle of matter to another within an object or between two objects that are in direct contact.
Conduction
The lowest temperature possible.
Absolute zero
The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of an object (measured in J or Joules).
Specific Heat
Objects that do not conduct heat well.
Insulators
The expansion of matter when it is heated.
Thermal Expansion
To decrease in size.
Contract
Any time you exert a force on an object that causes the object to change its motion in the same direction.
Work
The energy that an object possesses by virtue of being in motion.
Kinetic Energy
The fixed point around which a lever rotates.
Pivot
A type of potential energy that is related to an object’s vertical position.
Gravitational Potential Energy
A substance (solid, liquid, or gas) through which a wave travels.
Medium
The scientific law stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change form. When one object loses energy, other objects must gain it.
Law of Conservation of Energy
The energy of an object has due to its motion, shape, position, or combination of these factors.
Mechanical Energy
Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom; released during nuclear reactions such as fission or fusion.
Nuclear Energy
What is the Unit We use to Measure Energy
Joules
A 2 kg ball rolls at a speed of 4 m/s. What is its kinetic energy?
16 J
A 4 kg box slides at a speed of 6 m/s. What is its kinetic energy?
72 J
A 8 kg box is lifted onto a table 2 m high. What is its gravitational potential energy?
160 J
A 3 kg backpack is sitting on a shelf 2 m above the ground. What is its gravitational potential energy?
60 J