Download Technology: Shaping Our World Chapter 10. Energy—Terms and

Technology: Shaping Our World
Chapter 10. Energy—Terms and Definitions
Biomass energy: energy from plants that can be burned or processed as fuel.
Chemical energy: energy locked away in different kinds of substances; these are often released by
burning.
Convection: movement that occurs when expanded warm liquid or gas rises above a cooler liquid or
gas.
Electrical energy: the movement of electrons from one atom to another.
Energy: the ability to do work.
Geothermal energy: energy produced by hot rocks changing underground water to steam.
Gravitational energy: the natural force of attraction created by an object that draws other objects
toward itself.
Heat energy: energy that occurs as the atoms of a material become more active.
Hydroelectricity: electricity produced by using the energy of moving water.
Hydrogen: one of the two elements in ordinary water; when separated from water, it is a very
combustible gas that can be used as a fuel.
Kinetic energy: the energy an object has because it is moving.
Light energy: energy from the sun that travels as a wave motion. Also called radiant energy.
Mechanical energy: energy of motion, which is often associated with or caused by a machine.
Nonrenewable energy: energy from sources that will eventually be used up and cannot be
replaced; examples are coal, oil, and natural gas.
Nuclear energy: energy produced from the nucleus of atoms.
Nuclear fission: energy produced by the splitting of atomic nuclei; this process gives off heat, which
is used to produce steam to run turbines and generate electricity.
Nuclear fusion: the same energy source that powers our sun and the stars. It requires high
temperatures. So far, technologists have not been able to produce it on earth.
Photovoltaic: light induced electricity by dislodging electrons.
Potential energy: energy that is stored until it is released (used).
Radiant energy: another name for light energy.
Radiation: the particles or rays thrown off by unstable atomic nuclei; also, one of the methods by
which heat travels.
Renewable energy: energy from sources that will always be available, such as the sun, wind, and
water.
Solar energy: energy from the sun, the most important of the alternative sources of energy.
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Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Sound energy: a form of kinetic energy that moves at about 1100 ft. (331 m) per second.
Strain energy: the energy of deformation, possessed by materials that tend to return to their
original shape after being stretched or compressed.
Thermal energy: another name for heat energy.
Tidal energy: energy produced by the rise or fall of tidal water in the oceans.
Wave energy: energy produced by the movement of ocean waves.
Wind energy: one of the oldest sources of kinetic energy, used for centuries to grind grain and pump
water; today, wind is being used to spin wind turbines and generate electricity.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.