Energy

Elastic potential energy

The energy of an object that is stretched or compressed. Elastic potential energy. It is the stored energy in objects that can return to their original shape after being deformed, like a stretched rubber band.

Energy

The ability to do work. Energy. Energy is what makes things move or change.

Fossil fuel

An energy source made of the remains of organisms that lived long ago, like coal or oil. Fossil fuel is a natural fuel formed from ancient plants and animals buried and transformed over millions of years.

Gravitational potential energy

The energy of an object due to its height above Earths surface. Gravitational potential energy. It is the stored energy an object has because of its position above the ground, which can be converted into motion when it falls.

Kinetic energy

The energy of a moving object kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion.

Law of conservation of energy

States that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Law of conservation of energy. Energy can change forms but the total amount always stays the same.

Mechanical energy

The sum of the kinetic and the potential energy of an object. Mechanical energy. In simple terms, mechanical energy is the energy that an object has because of its motion or position.

Nonrenewable resource

A natural resource that is consumed faster than it can be created. Nonrenewable resource. Nonrenewable resources are natural materials like coal or oil that cannot be quickly replenished, and once used, they are gone for good.

Nuclear energy

The energy released when the nuclei of atoms are split or combined. Nuclear energy. It is the powerful energy stored in the core of an atom, which can be released through splitting fission or joining fusion of atomic nuclei.

Potential energy

The energy an object has from its position or condition, like a ball on a hill or a stretched spring, is called potential energy. Potential energy is stored energy that has the potential to do work due to an object's position or state.

Renewable resource

A resource that is replaced by nature more quickly than it is consumed. Renewable resource. A renewable resource is something that can naturally replenish itself over time, like sunlight or wind.