Concept 2 - Energy Study Guide

Electromagnetic Energy

A form of energy that is reflected or emitted in the form of electrical and magnetic waves that can travel through space.

Mechanical energy

The total amount of kinetic and potential energy in a system.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy can never be created or destroyed, it can only change forms.

Determine the energy conversion for the following: light bulb, firework, flute, leaf.

Light bulb: Electrical to radiant. Firework: Chemical to light and sound. Flute: Kinetic to sound. Leaf: Radiant to chemical.

Give an example of where you would find each of the following types of energy: radiant, thermal, electrical, sound, nuclear, and electromagnetic.

Radiant: Light from a light bulb. Thermal: Heat from a fire or the sun. Electrical: Power outlets. Sound: Voices, musical instruments, whistles. Nuclear: The fusion reaction in the sun. Electromagnetic: Phone, radio, satellite.

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy of a falling object?

The object falls from rest. As it does this, its gravitational potential energy (or GPE) gets converted into kinetic energy (or KE).