MYP Physics Energy Sources and Resources, Fuels and Environmental Impact Key Definitions

A method of storing energy by using surplus electricity to compress air into a cavern or vessel, then releasing it later to drive a turbine and generate electricity.

A source from which energy can be obtained for human use (for example, coal, sunlight, moving water, uranium).

Fossil fuels are ancient energy sources formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals exposed to heat and pressure beneath Earth's surface

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored due to the position of an object in a gravitational field.

A greenhouse gas is a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation

An energy resource that will run out on a human timescale (roughly within 500 to 1,000 years) because it is not replaced fast enough.

Nuclear fission is the splitting of atomic nuclei to release energy.

An energy resource that is naturally replenished on a short timescale compared with its rate of use, so it can be used sustainably if managed properly.

A turbine is a device that rotates when a moving fluid such as steam, water, or air flows over it.