IB Physics A3 Definitions

This page contains our IB Physics definitions for A3. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Physics 'Work, energy sources & power'.
chemical energy

It is the energy stored in the bonds of molecules

efficiency

It is the ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input

elastic potential energy

It is the energy an object holds when it is compressed or tensed

electrical energy

It is the energy produced by the flow of charged particles

energy

The ability to move a unit force a unit distance, measured in joules. ie the amount of work done

Energy density

It is the energy released per unit volume of fuel

Fuel

It is energy extracted from source to power devices

gravitational potential energy

It is the energy an object holds by being above a surface

kinetic energy

It is the energy of movement

nuclear energy

It is the energy produced by the nuclear decomposition of an atom

power

It is the rate of energy transfer or rate of work done

sound energy

It is the energy of sound waves

Specific energy

It is the energy released per unit mass of fuel

thermal energy

It is the energy of heat an object holds

work

It is the measure of energy required to apply a force to move an object in the direction of the force

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