Chapter 15 Solar Energy

The ability to cause a change in matter. Energy

Energy due to an object’s condition or position. Potential energy A girl rides in a roller coaster car to the top of a hill. A vase wobbles on top of a china cabinet. A child waits her turn at the top of a slide.

Energy of motion Kinetic energy For example: Soccer ball soars through the air. A dog jumps to catch a stick. A boy jumps and dives off the diving board.

Stored energy that can be released by a chemical reaction. Chemical energy

Direct transfer of thermal energy from one object to another. Conduction

Transfer of thermal energy by the movement of a gas or liquid Convection

Movement of thermal energy by electromagnetic waves radiation

Saving something so that it doesn’t get used up. conservation

A wind-up car rolls across the floor. Mechanical energy

Solar Energy Vocabulary Mechanical energy Chemical energy Potential energy Kinetic energy Convection Conservation Energy radiation