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