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Perhaps one reason energy is hard to define is that we only seem to be able to define it in terms of what it DOES rather than what it IS.

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14y ago

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What is the significance of negative energy of electron in an orbit?

Potential energy levels are often given as negative numbers. In the case of an electron, it's potential energy due to its location relative to the positively charged nucleus; the further away from the nucleus, the higher the energy level of the electron. So for convenience, physicists like to define potential energy levels at infinite distance (or separation) as "zero", and all others become negative. Since these forces (gravity, electromagnetic force) fall off with the square of distance, potential energies at finite (nonzero) distances aren't "negative infinity".


How do you define energy?

Energy is the capacity of a body to do work. Examples of energy include heat, electricity, and light.


Define a energy storing compound?

An energy-storing compound is a molecule that can temporarily store energy in the form of chemical bonds. Examples include ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in living organisms and glycogen in animals. When needed, these compounds can be broken down to release energy for cellular processes.


Where is the energy stored in a compound?

Since chemical energy is a type of potential energy, it is hard - and doubtful - to pinpoint the energy exactly. There is energy in the fact that atoms are in a certain configuration, or in the fact that atoms are separate - atoms that would be in a lower energy state if they combined. The potential energy is in the system configuration - not in any particular component.Since chemical energy is a type of potential energy, it is hard - and doubtful - to pinpoint the energy exactly. There is energy in the fact that atoms are in a certain configuration, or in the fact that atoms are separate - atoms that would be in a lower energy state if they combined. The potential energy is in the system configuration - not in any particular component.Since chemical energy is a type of potential energy, it is hard - and doubtful - to pinpoint the energy exactly. There is energy in the fact that atoms are in a certain configuration, or in the fact that atoms are separate - atoms that would be in a lower energy state if they combined. The potential energy is in the system configuration - not in any particular component.Since chemical energy is a type of potential energy, it is hard - and doubtful - to pinpoint the energy exactly. There is energy in the fact that atoms are in a certain configuration, or in the fact that atoms are separate - atoms that would be in a lower energy state if they combined. The potential energy is in the system configuration - not in any particular component.


What reactions will Gibbs free energy always be positive?

Since the question seems to be about reactions - and the whole idea of a reaction is that something is changing... The CHANGE in Gibbs free energy will always be positive for a spontaneous reaction. As far as whether the Gibbs free energy of a system (without the term "change" attached) ... Since Gibbs free energy is a state function, it is always defined relative to a standard state. Asking if the Gibbs free energy is positive is akin to asking how "high" something is - the answer depends on where you define zero to be. If you define 0 height to be the level of the ground you are standing on, you will get a different answer than if you define zero height to be "sea level". A cactus in Death Valley may have a positive height relative to the ground, but would actually have a negative height relative to sea level. Likewise, the Gibbs free energy of a system will be positive or negative (or zero) depending on what you define as the standard state.

Related Questions

The ability to cause change in matter?

Energy is the ability to cause changes in matter. It's hard to answer because you define the word "energy" in different ways. I hope this answer can be useful.. :)


Why is it hard to completely define matter?

It is hard to define matter because it changes. It is the composed to atom.


How do scientists define when work occurs?

they define when work occurs energy. Energy is the ability to do work.


How will you define energy?

The definition of energy is the ability to work.


How is the temperature of a substance related to the energy of movement of the particles in a substances?

It is hard to exactly define temperature in terms of such things - but roughly speaking, the temperature is the average kinetic energy (energy of movement) per particle, per degree of freedom.


How is the temperature of a substance related to the energy of a movement of the particles in the substance?

It is hard to exactly define temperature in terms of such things - but roughly speaking, the temperature is the average kinetic energy (energy of movement) per particle, per degree of freedom.


How is the temperature of a substance related to the energy of a movement of the particles in a substance?

It is hard to exactly define temperature in terms of such things - but roughly speaking, the temperature is the average kinetic energy (energy of movement) per particle, per degree of freedom.


How is the temperature of a substance related to the energy of movement of the particles of a substance?

It is hard to exactly define temperature in terms of such things - but roughly speaking, the temperature is the average kinetic energy (energy of movement) per particle, per degree of freedom.


Define the development of measurement from the primitive to the present system of units?

its so hard to define....


What define as the energy of motion?

potential


Can you define tidal energy?

yes


What is define as the ability to do work?

*A+*energy