Back to Conservation of Energy (ELL)

Study Guide

Quick meanings for every word. Pair terms with visuals to support newcomers.

WordMeaning
Closed SystemA system where no energy can enter or leave — the total amount inside stays constant.
Conservation of EnergyThe scientific law stating that the total amount of energy in a system never increases or decreases — it only changes form.
Energy TransferThe movement of energy from one object or place to another, without changing its form.
Energy TransformationA change in the form of energy, such as electrical energy becoming light and heat.
Kinetic EnergyThe energy an object has because it is moving. The faster something moves, the more of this it has.
Open SystemA system where energy can freely enter or leave, unlike a system that is closed.
Potential EnergyStored energy that an object has because of its position or condition, ready to be released.
Thermal EnergyThe total energy of moving particles within a substance — commonly experienced as heat.