Section 4 b) Key Words

Chemical energy: Stored energy in chemical form, possessed by food, fuel, batteries, etc.

Conduction: Energy transfer directly through an object where there is a difference in temperature.

Conserved: When energy is transferred from one form to another it is conserved; none is lost/destroyed.

Convection: The transfer of energy in a convection current through a fluid wherein warm material becomes less dense and rises and cool air becomes more dense and sinks.

Efficiency: How much energy is useful compared to how much is wasted.

Electrical energy: Energy wherein a current is flowing.

Insulation: An insulating material placed between cold and warm areas to limit energy transfers.

Kinetic energy: Anything that is moving has kinetic energy, also called movement energy.

Light energy: Energy emitted in the form of light, from the Sun, light bulbs, etc.

Nuclear energy: Energy released from nuclear reactions (e.g. atomic bombs)

Potential energy: Energy that is stored elastically or gravitationally. The object has been stretched or placed higher, giving it the potential to move.

Radiation: Energy transferred through infrared radiation. All objects have it and constantly emit and absorb it to match the surroundings.

Sankey diagram: A diagram used to show input and output of energy, a visual aid to see the efficiency of something.

Sound energy: Energy from vibrations emitted in sound waves.

Thermal energy: Heat energy, emitted from something hot and absorbed by something cold.