Energy vocabulary

energy

the ability to do work

potential energy

stored energy

kinetic energy

energy in motion

thermal energy

heat energy

conduction

Heat transfer through a solid, heat passes from one molecule to the next

convection

Heat transfer in liquid or gases; warm will rise and cool will fall

radiation

heat transfers in wafves

radiant energy

light energy

electrical circuit

a path electricity flows through

conductor

material that allows heat or electricity to flow through

insulator

material that does not allow heat or electricity to pass through easily

nuclear energy

Most powerful energy. Produced when atoms are split by fusion or fission.

mechanical energy

energy stored in an object that is either moving or can move

wedge

simple machine with 2 or more sloping surfaces

pulley

A wheel with a rope, chain or belt passed over it

inclined plane

A sloping plank or ramp that makes it easier to move heavy loads

screw

an inclined plane that twists around a an axis

wheel and axle

a fixed wheel turning on a rod through its center

lever

a bar for lifting loads

fulcrum

the base or pivot on which a lever turns