Chapter 2

the energy stored in the chemical bonds of a compound; can be released by processes such as combustion or digestion.

waves (or photons) of pure energy at any wave length in the electromagnetic spectrum.

the entire range of wave lengths of electromagnetic radiation from long wave length radio waves to short wave length X-rays and gamma rays; includes micro waves, infrared radiation, visible light, and ultra violet light.

a nuclear chain reaction in which a neutron shatters the nucleus of a heavy element producing nuclear fragments and additional free neutrons that shatter other nuclei.

a nuclear reaction in which two hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse together to form a helium nucleus, releasing energy in the process

stored energy due to an object’s location in a gravitational field.

energy in transit from a warm body to a cooler one by means of infrared radiation, thermal conduction, or convection.

the generation of electricity by damming water and allowing the water behind the dam to fall through a turbine generator system

energy an object possesses by virtue of its motion.

the use of controlled nuclear fission to produce steam which can then power a turbine and generate electricity

a single quantum of electromagnetic energy.

a semiconductor device that converts light into electrical signals.

divided into discrete lumps or packets; noncontinuous

Albert Einstein theorized in 1905 that all energy is divided into discrete packets called quanta. a single packet of energy is called a quantum of energy.

a semiconductor device that converts energy in sunlight into electricity.

energy an object possesses after being heated.

a system of blades mounted on a rotating shaft such that when steam, water, or air flows past the blades the shaft turns.

the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that we can sense with our eyes through the colors of red, orange, yellow green, blue, and violet.

a synonym for photon

the spacial separation between peaks of the wave.