Fundamental Concepts of Energy and Matter Properties

Fundamental Physics Definitions

Properties of Matter and Energy

Electrical Charge

Property of matter related to the proportion existing between protons and electrons.

Energy

Capacity bodies have to produce changes in themselves and in other bodies.

Types of Energy

• Kinetic Energy (E_k): Possessed by bodies in motion: E_k = 1/2 * m * v²
• Potential Energy (E_p): Possessed by bodies due to the position they occupy in space or the deformation they are experiencing. E_p = m * g * h
• Gravitational Potential Energy: The energy of a body at a certain height above the surface.
• Elastic Potential Energy: Energy of an elastic body when it is deformed.
• Mechanical Energy: Possessed by bodies due to the velocity they have and their position in space.
• Electrical Energy: Produced by the movement of charges. Electricity is formed in power stations and transported via high-voltage cables.
• Electromagnetic Energy: Transported by electrical and magnetic waves. Thanks to it we can watch TV, listen to the radio, and use the Internet. Example: sunlight.
• Chemical Energy: Produced through chemical processes. Example: combustion of natural gas.
• Nuclear Energy: Stored in an atom's nucleus.
• Nuclear Fission Energy: The nucleus of a heavy atom is split to obtain two lighter ones, created in reactions in power stations.
• Nuclear Fusion Energy: The nuclei of two light atoms are joined together to obtain a heavier one. Created by reactions in stars.
• Internal Energy: Of a body is the sum of all kinetic and potential energies of the particles which form it. Matter is made up of particles in motion which occupy specific positions. Each has kinetic and potential energy.

Energy Sources and Thermal Concepts

Energy Source

Allows to produce energy directly through some transformations.

Thermal Energy

Possessed by a body due to the movement of the particles which make it up.

Heat vs. Thermal Energy

Heat: Is the transfer of thermal energy from one body to another when both bodies have different temperatures. It can't be stored; the thermal energy is stored.

Temperature and Equilibrium

Temperature

Magnitude which measures the degree of movement of the particles in a body. Measured with a thermometer.

Thermal Equilibrium

State which is reached when temperatures for two bodies, which initially are different, become the same.