Chapter 15

Definitions
Book

Work
Work-done when a force
moves an object through a
distance, a transfer of
energy

Energy
Energy-the ability to do
work

Kinetic
Energy
Kinetic Energy-the energy
of motion

Potential
Energy
Potential Energy-energy
that is stored as a result of
position or shape

Gravitation
al Potential
Energy
Gravitational Potential
Energy-potential energy

that depends on an
objects height

Elastic
Potential
Energy

Elastic Potential Energypotential energy of an

object that is stretched or
compressed

Mechanical
Energy

Mechanical Energy-the
energy associated with
the motion and the
position of everyday
objects

Thermal
Energy

Thermal Energy-the total

potential and kinetic
energy of all the
microscopic particles in an
object

Chemical
Energy
Chemical Energy-the
energy stored in chemical
bonds

Electrical
Energy
Electrical Energy-the
energy associated with
electric charges

Electromagne
tic Energy
Electromagnetic Energy-a
form of energy that
travels through space in
the form of waves

Nuclear
Energy
Nuclear Energy-the energy
stored in atomic nuclei

Energy
Conversion
Energy Conversion-the act
of energy being converted
from one form to another

Nonrenewab
le
Energy
Resources

Nonrenewable Energy
Resources-exist in limited
quantities, once used,
cannot be replaced except
over the course of millions
of years

Renewable
Energy
Resources
Renewable Energy
Resources-resources that
can be replaced in a
relatively short period of
time

Hydroelectr
ic Energy
Hydroelectric Energyenergy obtained by
flowing water

Solar
Energy
Solar Energy-sunlight that
is converted into usable
energy

Geothermal
Energy

Geothermal Energythermal energy beneath

Earths surface

Biomass
Energy

Biomass Energy-the
chemical energy stored in
living things

Hydrogen
Fuel Cell

Hydrogen Fuel Cellgenerates electricity by

reacting with hydrogen
and oxygen

Energy
Conservatio
n
Energy Conservationfinding ways to use less
energy or to use energy
more efficiently