Basics of Energy

This was a fairly easy unit in all honesty. We learned that thermodynamics is the study of energy transformations. Also we learned that energy is defined as the ability to do work which is a force applied over distance. However work can also be defined as directed energy change resulting from a process. There is kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, and potential energy, which is stored energy,

We define temperature as a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles of a substance. We also measure the flow of energy through endothermic and exothermic reactions. Endothermic is when the system gains energy, or takes in energy, from the surroundings. Exothermic is when the system loses energy, or gives away energy, to the surroundings.

We measure energy in Joules (J) and also in calories (c). The conversion is 4.184 Joules in one calorie.

When calculating heat we use the formula Q= mc (change/delta)T
Q is heat in Joules
m is mass in grams
c is specific heat in (J/g degree C)
change/delta T is change in temperature