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Introduction to Energy definitions Flashcards

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Introduction to Energy definitions
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  • Energy

    The ability to perform work, causing an overall change in a living system.
  • Potential Energy

    Stored energy available to do work or cause change, such as gravitational or chemical potential energy.
  • Kinetic Energy

    Energy of motion, present in moving objects like a coasting biker or muscle contractions.
  • Gravitational Potential Energy

    Energy stored due to an object's position relative to gravity, like a biker at the top of a hill.
  • Chemical Potential Energy

    Energy stored in chemical bonds, exemplified by glucose molecules.
  • Thermodynamics

    The study of energy transfers between different bodies of matter.
  • System

    The specific portion of matter under study in thermodynamics, such as an organism or reaction.
  • Surroundings

    Everything external to the system in thermodynamics, encompassing the environment around it.
  • Biological System

    A system capable of transferring both energy and mass with its surroundings, like a plant.
  • Photosynthesis

    Process where plants convert solar energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.
  • Solar Energy

    Energy from the sun that can enter biological systems like plants during photosynthesis.
  • Glucose

    A common sugar storing chemical potential energy, produced in photosynthesis.
  • Oxygen

    A form of mass released by plants during photosynthesis, exiting the biological system.