Energy Glossary

3. of energy Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
5. When a process does not result in a net contribution of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, for example the burning of biofuels.
7. potential The energy stored when an object has been stretched or compressed.
9. The energy store of a moving object.
13. The energy store of an object lifted in a gravitational field.
14. A material that does not allow energy to transfer through it easily.
16. The amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg).
17. Energy harnessed from hot rocks beneath the Earth’s surface.

1. Any fuel taken from living or recently living organisms.
2. The energy stored when repelling poles have been pushed closer together or when attracting poles have been pulled further apart.
4. The transfer of heat or electricity through a material.
5. The energy stored in chemical bonds.
6. Useful energy transferred by a device divided by the total energy supplied to the device, or useful power output divided by total power input.
8. Electricity generated by harnessing energy from falling water.
10. A way that energy is stored in or by objects due to their motion, position, shape or processes.
11. A fuel formed over millions of years from the remains of dead plants and animals. Examples are coal, oil and natural gas.
12. An energy resource which cannot be replenished in a lifetime and will eventually run out.
15. The system of cables and transformers that transfers electrical power from power stations to consumers.