Energy: An Introduction

Which of the following did the Greeks believe composed all matter?

• a.earth, air, fire, heart
• b.solids, liquids, gases
• c.earth, air, water, fire
• d.atoms

Which of the Greek philosophers was the most important champion of the theory of matter from Question 1?

• a.Aristotle
• b.Heraclitus
• c.Plato
• d.Hippocrates

How do we define energy?

• a.The life-force moving through objects.
• b.The ability to perform work.
• c.The ability to turn on a light.
• d.The ability to cook food.

Which of these is not one of the main forms of energy?

• a.mechanical
• b.electrical
• c.nuclear
• d.psychic

Which of the following statements is correct?

• a.Potential energy can be converted to kinetic energy.
• b.Potential energy of an object rises as you lift it higher from the ground.
• c.Potential energy does not apply only to mechanical energy; it can be found in electrical, chemical, and other forms, as well.
• d.All of the choices are true.

Which of the following statements about energy is incorrect?

• a.Energy cannot be destroyed or created; it can only change forms.
• b.Mechanical energy cannot be converted into electrical energy.
• c.The chemical energy stored in objects can be used to drive machines.
• d.Work is performed by expending energy

What was the main contribution of James Joule to our understanding of energy?

• a.He gave us the energy unit Joule, which he named after himself.
• b.He built the first electric generator, showing the world that energy can change forms.
• c.He was the first to carefully prove that mechanical energy can be converted to thermal energy, demonstrating they were not caused by different essences.
• d.He was the first to show that microorganisms in beer brewing were responsible for the alcohol content.