Understanding Energy

Front

What is energy?

Back

Energy is the ability to make things happen or cause change. It can cause something to move, heat up, or light up.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is energy in motion. Examples include a rolling ball or a moving car.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is stored energy due to an object’s position or structure. Examples include a stretched rubber band or a rock on a hill.

Front

How does energy flow in systems?

Back

Energy flows in systems but doesn’t disappear; it can change forms. In a closed system, energy may move or transform but is never lost.

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?

Back

During a chemical reaction, the total mass remains constant. Mass isn’t created or destroyed; it simply changes form.

Front

Why is conservation of mass observed in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, no matter enters or leaves, so mass is conserved. A sealed container helps demonstrate mass conservation better than an open one.

Front

What are the main characteristics of solids?

Back

Solids have a fixed shape and closely packed particles.

Front

What are the main characteristics of liquids?

Back

Liquids take the shape of their container with particles that move around each other.

Front

What are the main characteristics of gases?

Back

Gases expand to fill a container, with particles that move freely.

Front

What are examples of physical changes of state?

Back

Examples include melting, freezing, and evaporating, where a substance changes form but remains the same at a molecular level.