Download Chapter 6: Energy and Technology

Technology: Design and Applications
Chapter 6: Energy and Technology—Terms and Definitions
bioenergy: energy from organic matter. Biochemicals, biofuels, and biopower are three ways
bioenergy is used.
biomass: the sum of all organic matter in an area.
chemical energy: a reaction between two substances when mixed. For example, when petroleum
and oxygen are mixed, they will burn rapidly, if ignited.
coal: a solid form of fossil fuel comprised mainly of carbon.
electrical energy: the energy of moving electrons. The movement can be caused by lightning,
batteries, or generators. Moving electrons create an electric current.
energy: the ability to do work. Energy comes from inexhaustible, renewable, and exhaustible
sources. it allows technological systems to operate.
exhaustible: nonrenewable sources that can be used up.
fission: a nuclear reaction that causes the atom’s nucleus to split apart. In turn, this causes other
atoms to split.
fossil fuel: remains of once living matter. Dead plants or animals partially decayed become a
material high in carbon. The carbon in fossil fuels makes them burn easily.
fusion: a nuclear reaction causing parts of hydrogen atoms to fuse (join).
geothermal: of or relating to the heat inside the Earth.
heat energy: a form of energy. It is present in the increased activity of molecules in a heated
substance.
hydroelectric: making electricity using waterpower.
kinetic energy: the energy an object has because of its motion.
mechanical energy: the energy present in moving bodies. It is sometimes called kinetic energy.
natural gas: mostly made up of a gas called methane. This gas is a simple chemical compound
made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Pumped from underground, it is generally used for heating
buildings and producing electric power.
nonrenewable: a material that, once used, can never be replaced.
nuclear energy: heat released when atoms are split.
peat: decayed matter compressed into solid material. It is used to heat homes in some parts of the
world.
petroleum: the liquid form of fossil fuel comprised mainly of carbon and hydrogen.
potential energy: energy at rest, but able to do work.
power: 1. the amount of work done in a set period of time, or the rate at which work is done. 2. the
rate at which energy is changed from one form to another or moved from one place to another.
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Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
radiant energy: the energy (movement) of atoms present in sunlight, fire, and any matter.
solar energy: energy of the Sun given off as heat and light.
thermal energy: energy from the Sun’s heat.
tidal energy: energy that uses the mechanical energy of moving water. The gravitational pull of the
Moon drives the tides.
wave energy: energy that uses the forces present in the coming and going of waves near the shore.
Both of these sources can power electricity-generating equipment.
wind energy: an indirect form of solar energy.
work: the application of force applied to move an object.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.