All Flashcards
What drives tectonic plate movement?
Earth's internal heat.
What drives weather patterns and climate?
Solar energy.
How is radiant energy converted?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
What is an example of thermal energy use?
Burning biomass for heat.
What is an example of mechanical energy use?
Windmills turning to generate electricity.
What happens when methane is burned?
Chemical energy is released.
What is the role of energy transformations?
Energy changes from one form to another (e.g., solar to electrical).
What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy?
Renewable resources can be replenished, while non-renewable cannot.
What is energy efficiency?
Getting the most out of the energy we use.
What is the importance of understanding energy flow?
Crucial for understanding environmental issues.
What drives tectonic plate movement?
Earth's internal heat.
What drives weather patterns and climate?
Solar energy.
How is energy involved in biogeochemical cycles?
Energy powers the movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and water through ecosystems.
How can potential energy be converted?
Potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa.
What is the importance of energy transformations?
Understanding how energy changes from one form to another is crucial for understanding energy use and its impacts.
Why is understanding energy flow crucial?
Crucial for understanding environmental issues.
What is energy?
The ability to do work.
What is kinetic energy?
Energy of motion.
What is potential energy?
Stored energy.
What is radiant energy?
Light energy traveling in waves.
What is thermal energy?
Heat energy from movement of atoms/molecules.
What is chemical energy?
Energy stored in molecular bonds.
What is nuclear energy?
Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.
What is a Joule (J)?
The basic unit of energy.
What is a Gigajoule (GJ)?
1 billion joules (10^9 J).
What is an Exajoule (EJ)?
1 billion GJ (10^18 J).