Reducing Unwanted Energy Transfers

• Frictional force


  A force that opposes the motion of an object by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy
• Energy dissipation


  The process of energy being lost or transformed into a form that is less useful or unavailable for work
• Air resistance


  The force that opposes the motion of an object through the air, resulting in energy loss
• Kinetic energy

  The energy possessed by an object due to its motion
• Lubrication


  The use of a liquid substance to reduce friction between moving objects, thereby minimizing energy loss
• Streamlining


  The design process of shaping an object to reduce air resistance and minimize energy wastage
• Insulation


  The act of preventing the transfer of heat or energy from one area to another
• Thermal conductivity


  The measure of a material's ability to conduct heat
• Cavity walls


  Walls with an air gap in the middle, which reduces energy transfer by acting as an insulating barrier
• Conduction


  The process of heat transfer through direct contact between objects
• Cavity wall insulation


  The practice of filling the air gap in cavity walls with foam to enhance insulation and reduce energy transfer
• Convection


  The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or water
• Loft insulation


  The insulation of the space between the roof and ceiling to minimize heat loss and reduce energy transfer
• Double-glazed windows


  Windows with an air gap between two sheets of glass, which reduces heat transfer and energy loss
• Draught excluders


  Devices that prevent air movement through gaps around doors and windows, reducing energy wastage
• Temperature difference


  The contrast in temperature between two points, which drives the transfer of heat or energy
• Thermal insulate


  A material that reduces the transfer of heat or energy, often used for insulation purposes
• Boiling water experiment

  A practical experiment conducted to test the effectiveness of materials as thermal insulation
• Efficiency


  The ratio of useful energy output to total energy input, expressed as a percentage
• Useful energy


  The energy that is used to perform a desired task or work
• Wasted energy


  The energy that is not used to perform a desired task and is lost or dissipated
• Energy input/output


  The amount of energy put into or obtained from a device or system, either as input or output