Energy Transformations and Conservation Flashcards

Grade 10 · Science · Flashcards

Master key terms and formulas for energy forms, transformations, and the law of conservation of energy.

Flashcards

Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change form. Total energy in a closed system is constant.
Kinetic energy (KE): Energy of motion: KE = ½mv². Doubles if speed doubles (v is squared), doubles if mass doubles.
Gravitational potential energy (GPE): Stored energy due to height: GPE = mgh. Depends on mass, gravitational field strength, and height.
Elastic potential energy: Energy stored in a deformed elastic object (spring, rubber band); released when object returns to shape.
Chemical energy: Energy stored in chemical bonds (food, fuel, batteries); released in chemical reactions.
Thermal energy: Internal energy of randomly moving particles in a substance; the 'waste' in most energy conversions.
Radiant energy: Energy carried by electromagnetic waves, including visible light, infrared, UV, and more.
Power: Rate of energy transfer or work done: P = W/t. Measured in Watts (1 W = 1 J/s).
Efficiency: (Useful energy output ÷ Total energy input) × 100%. Always less than 100% due to energy lost as heat.
Joule (J): SI unit of energy; equivalent to 1 kg·m²/s² or 1 N·m of work done.
Energy transformation: The conversion of energy from one form to another (e.g., chemical → kinetic in a car engine).
Mechanical energy: The sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system; conserved when no friction or air resistance acts.